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Mercedes-Benz

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This article is about the manufacturer. For the song, see Mercedes Benz (song).

Mercedes-Benz

Type	Division of Daimler AG
Industry	Manufacturing
Predecessor(s)	Benz & Cie. Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft
Founded	1886
Founder(s)	Karl Benz Gottlieb Daimler
Headquarters	Stuttgart, Germany
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Dieter Zetsche, Chairman
Products	Automobiles Trucks Buses Internal combustion engines
Services	Financial services
Parent	Daimler AG
Website	www.mercedes-benz.com

Mercedes-Benz (German pronunciation: [mɛʁˈtseːdəs ˈbɛnts]) is a division of the German manufacturer Daimler AG, and the brand is used for automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The name first appeared in 1926 under Daimler-Benz but traces its origins to Daimler's 1901 Mercedes and to Karl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, widely regarded as the first automobile.

Contents  [hide]  1 History 2 Subsidiaries and alliances 2.1 Mercedes-Benz AMG 2.2 Mercedes-Benz McLaren 2.3 Studebaker-Packard 3 Production 3.1 Factories 3.2 Quality rankings 4 Models 4.1 Current model range 4.1.1 Passenger cars 4.1.2 Trucks 4.1.3 Buses and vans 4.2 Significant models produced 4.3 Car nomenclature 4.4 Environmental record 4.5 Bicycles 5 Motorsport 5.1 Formula 1 6 Noted employees 7 Innovations 7.1 Robot cars 8 Tuners 9 See also 10 References 11 External links

[edit] History

Main articles: Karl Benz, Bertha Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, Emil Jellinek, Wilhelm Maybach, and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft

Mercedes-Benz S-class

Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886^[1] and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the Daimler-Benz company.^[1] Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles.^[2] Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also the world's oldest automotive brand still in existence today. For information relating to the famous three-pointed star, see under the title Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft including the merger into Daimler-Benz.

[edit] Subsidiaries and alliances

As part of the Daimler AG company, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division includes Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach car production.^[3]

[edit] Mercedes-Benz AMG

Mercedes-Benz AMG became a majority owned division of Mercedes-Benz in 1998.^[4] The company was integrated into DaimlerChrysler in 1999,^[5] and became Mercedes-Benz AMG beginning on 1 January 1999.^[6]

[edit] Mercedes-Benz McLaren

Main article: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Between 2003 and 2009, Mercedes-Benz produced a limited-production sports car with McLaren Cars, an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which is part owned by Mercedes. McLaren ceased production of the SLR in 2009 and went on to develop its own car, the McLaren MP4-12C, launched in 2011.

[edit] Studebaker-Packard

In 1958, Mercedes-Benz entered into a distribution agreement with the Studebaker-Packard Corporation of South Bend, Indiana (USA), makers of Studebaker and Packard brand automobiles.^[7] Under the deal, Studebaker would allow Mercedes-Benz access to its dealer network in the U.S., handle shipments of vehicles to the dealers, and in return, receive compensation for each car sold. Mercedes-Benz maintained an office within the Studebaker works in South Bend from 1958 to 1963, when Studebaker's U.S. operations ceased. Many U.S Studebaker dealers converted to Mercedes-Benz dealerships at that time.

[edit] Production

[edit] Factories

Besides its native Germany, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are also manufactured or assembled in:

• Argentina (buses, trucks and the Sprinter van. The first Mercedes-Benz factory outside of Germany)^[8]
• Austria (G-Class)^[9]
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil^[10] Manufacture the trucks, buses and the C-Class. Established in 1956. The A-Class (W168) was produced from 1999 to 2005 as well.
• Canada
• Egypt via Egyptian German Automotive Company
• Hungary^[11]

• India^[12]
• Indonesia^[13]
• Iran (Not since 2010^[14])
• Malaysia^[15]
• Mexico - (Mercedes-Benz Mexico fully manufactures some Mercedes and Daimler vehicles completely from locally built parts (C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, International trucks, Axor, Atego, and Mercedes Buses), manufactures other models in complete knock down kits (CL-Class, CLK-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class) and manufactures a select number of models in semi knockdown kits which use both imported components and locally sourced Mexican components (S-Class, CLS-Class, R-Class, GL-Class, Sprinter).
• Nigeria^[16] (buses, trucks, utility motors and the Sprinter van)
• Philippines
• Russia (E-Class)
• Spain, factory at Vitoria-Gasteiz, Mercedes-Benz Vito have been built there.
• South Africa^[17]
• South Korea (Mercedes-Benz Musso and MB100 models manufactured by SsangYong Motor Company)
• Thailand (assembly of C, E and S class vehicles by the Thonburi Group)^[18]
• Turkey^[19]
• United Kingdom—SLR sports car was built at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. Brackley, Northamptonshire, is home to the Mercedes Grand Prix factory, and Brixworth, Northamptonshire is the location of Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines
• United States The Mercedes-Benz M-Class Sport Utility, the R-Class Sport Tourer, and the full-sized GL-Class Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle are all built at the Mercedes-Benz production facility near Tuscaloosa, Alabama.^[20]
• Vietnam Passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Established in 1995^[21]

[edit] Quality rankings

Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles, such as J. D. Power surveys, demonstrated a downturn in the quality and reliability ratings of Mercedes vehicles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power.^[22] In J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for the first quarter of 2007, Mercedes showed dramatic improvement by climbing from 25th to 5th place, for the first time surpassing quality leader Toyota, and earning several awards for its models.^[23] For 2008, Mercedes-Benz's initial quality rating improved by yet another mark, to fourth place.^[24] On top of this accolade, it also received the Platinum Plant Quality Award for its Mercedes’ Sindelfingen, Germany assembly plant.^[24] In April 2011, Consumer Reports of the rates six of thirteen Mercedes-Benz models as "below average".^[25] However, J.D. Power's 2011 US Initial Quality and Vehicle Dependability Studies both ranked Mercedes-Benz vehicles above average in build quality and reliability.^[26][27] In the 2011 UK JD Power Survey, Mercedes cars rated above average (scoring ahead of both BMW and Audi, but trailing behind in its quality rating to the industry leader Lexus, as has been the case in all previous years).^[28]

[edit] Models

[edit] Current model range

Mercedes-Benz carries a full range of passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial equipment. Vehicles are manufactured in multiple countries worldwide. The Smart marque of city cars and Maybach luxury cars are also produced by Daimler AG.

[edit] Passenger cars

See also: List of Mercedes-Benz vehicles

The following passenger vehicles were in production in 2011:

• A-Class—Hatchback
• B-Class—Multi-Activity
• C-Class—Saloon, Estate & Coupé
• CL-Class—Luxury Coupé
• CLS-Class—4 Door Coupé
• E-Class—Saloon, Estate, Coupé & Cabriolet
• G-Class—Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• GL-Class—Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• GLK-Class - Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• M-Class—Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
• R-Class—Luxury Tourer Vehicle (LTV)
• S-Class—Luxury Saloon
• SL-Class—Roadster
• SLK-Class—Roadster
• SLS AMG—Coupé
• SLS AMG—Roadster
• Viano—Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)

[edit] Trucks

See also: List of Mercedes-Benz trucks

Mercedes-Benz Trucks is now part of the Daimler Trucks division, and includes companies that were part of the DaimlerChrysler merger. Gottlieb Daimler sold the world's first truck in 1886.^[29]

[edit] Buses and vans

Main article: Mercedes-Benz buses

Mercedes-Benz Vario

Mercedes-Benz also produces buses, mainly for Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz produces a range of vans. The first factory to be built outside Germany after WWII was in Argentina. It originally built trucks, many of which were modified independently to buses, popularly named Colectivo. Today, it builds buses, trucks and the Sprinter van.

[edit] Significant models produced

Pope Benedict XVI in a Mercedes-Benz Popemobile in São Paulo, Brazil

• 1928: SSK racing car
• 1930: 770 "Großer Mercedes" state and ceremonial car
• 1934: 500 K
• 1936: 260 D World's first diesel production car
• 1936: 170
• 1938: W195 Speed Record-breaker
• 1951: Mercedes-Benz 300, knownly as "Adenauer Mercedes"
• 1953: "Ponton" models
• 1954: 300SL "Gullwing"
• 1959: "Fintail" models
• 1960: 220SE Cabriolet^{[disambiguation needed ]}
• 1963: 600 "Grand Mercedes"
• 1963: 230SL "Pagoda"
• 1965: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 1966: 300SEL 6.3
• 1968: W114 "new generation" compact cars
• 1969: C111 experimental vehicle
• 1972: Mercedes-Benz W107 350SL
• 1974: 450SEL 6.9
• 1974: 240D
• 1975: Mercedes-Benz W123 Wagon - Mercedes' first station wagon
• 1976: 300D
• 1978: 300SD - Mercedes' first turbo diesel
• 1979: 500SEL and G-Class
• 1983: 190E 2.3–16
• 1991: 600SEL
• 1993: First 'E-Class'
• 1995: First 'Joint Mercedes-Benz & AMG' (C43 AMG)
• 1995: Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG, 7.3 V12 (biggest engine ever put in a Mercedes-Benz)
• 1996: Mercedes-Benz Renntech E7.4RS
• 1997: Mercedes-Benz SLK
• 1997: Mercedes-Benz M-Class
• 2004: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
• 2004: Mercedes-Benz CLS
• 2007: E320, GL320 Bluetec, ML320 Bluetec, R320 Bluetec
• 2010: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[edit] Car nomenclature

Until 1994, Mercedes-Benz used an alphanumeric system for categorising their vehicles, consisting of a number sequence approximately equal to the engine's displacement in liters multiplied by 100, followed by an arrangement of alphabetical suffixes indicating body style and engine type.

• "C" indicates a coupe or cabriolet body style.
• "D" means the vehicle is equipped with a diesel engine.
• "E" (for "Einspritzen") means the vehicle's engine is equipped with petrol fuel injection. In most cases (the 600 limousine being the exception), if neither "E" or "D" is present, the vehicle has a petrol engine with a carburettor.
• "G" denotes the Geländewagen off-road vehicle.
• "K" was used in the 1930s, indicating a supercharger ("Kompressor") equipped engine. One exception is the SSK, where K indicates "Kurz" (short-wheelbase).
• "L" means "Leicht" (lightweight) for sporting models, and "Lang" (long-wheelbase) for sedan models.
• "R" stands for "Rennen" (racing), used for racing cars (for example, the 300SLR).
• "S" Sonderklasse "Special class" for flagship models.
• "T" stands for "Touring" and indicates an estate (or station wagon) body style.

Some models in the 1950s also had lower-case letters (b, c, and d) to indicate specific trim levels.
For some models, the numeric part of the designation does not match the engine displacement. This was done to show the model's position in the model lineup independent of displacement or in the price matrix. For these vehicles, the actual displacement in liters is suffixed to the model designation. For example, the 190-class all had "190" for the numeric designation, regardless of the engine size, to indicate their entry-level status. Also, some older models (such as the SS and SSK) did not have a number as part of the designation at all.
For the 1994 model year, Mercedes-Benz revised the naming system. Models were divided into "classes" denoted by an arrangement of up to three letters (see "Current model range" above), followed by a three-digit (or two-digit for AMG models, with the number approximately equal to the displacement in liters multiplied by 10) number related to the engine size, as before. Variants of the same model (such as an estate version, or a vehicle with a diesel engine) are no longer given a separate letter. In most cases, the class designation is arbitrary. The SLR and SLS supercars do not carry a numerical designation.
As before, some models' numerical designations do not match the engine's actual displacement; in these cases the number shows the model's relative performance within the class. For example, the E250 CGI has greater performance than the E200 CGI because of different engine tuning, even though both have 1.8-litre engines. Recent AMG models use the "63" designation (in honor of the 1960s 6.3-litre M100 engine) despite being equipped with either a 6.2-litre (M156) or 5.5-litre (M157) engine.
Some models carry further designations indicating special features:

• "4MATIC" means the vehicle is equipped with all-wheel-drive.
• "BlueTEC" indicates a diesel engine with selective catalytic reduction exhaust aftertreatment.
• "BlueEFFICIENCY" indicates special fuel economy features (direct injection, start-stop system, aerodynamic modifications, etc.)
• "CGI" (Charged Gasoline Injection) indicates direct gasoline injection.
• "CDI" (Common-rail Direct Injection) indicates a common-rail diesel engine.
• "Hybrid" indicates a gasoline- or diesel-electric hybrid.
• "NGT" indicates a natural gas-fueled engine.
• "Kompressor" indicates a supercharged engine.
• "Turbo" indicates a turbocharged engine, only used on A-, B-,Е- and GLK-Class models.

All model designation badges can be deleted upon the customer's request.

[edit] Environmental record

Mercedes-Benz has developed multi concept cars with alternative propulsion, such as hybrid-electric, fully electric, and fuel-cell powertrains. At the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, Mercedes-Benz showed seven hybrid models, including the F700 concept car, powered by a hybrid-electric drivetrain featuring the DiesOtto engine.^[30][31] In 2009, Mercedes-Benz displayed three BlueZERO concepts at the North American International Auto Show. Each car features a different powertrain - battery-electric, fuel-cell electric, and gasoline-electric hybrid.^[32][33] In the same year, Mercedes also showed the Vision S500 PHEV concept with a 19 miles (31 km) all-electric range and CO₂ emissions of 74 grams/km in the New European Driving Cycle.^[34]
Since 2002, Mercedes-Benz has developed the F-Cell fuel cell vehicle. The current version, based on the B-Class, has a 250 mile range and is available for lease, with volume production scheduled to begin in 2014. Mercedes has also announced the SLS AMG E-Cell, a fully electric version of the SLS sports car, with deliveries expected in 2013.^[35] The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID^[36] was launched in 2009, and is the first production automotive hybrid in the world to use a lithium-ion battery.^[37][38][39] In mid-2010, production commenced on the Vito E-Cell all-electric van. Mercedes expects 100 vehicles to be produced by the end of 2010 and a further 2000 by the end of 2011.^[40]
In 2008, Mercedes-Benz announced that it would have a demonstration fleet of small electric cars in two to three years.^[41] Mercedes-Benz and Smart are preparing for the widespread uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK by beginning the installation of recharging points across their dealer networks. So far 20 Elektrobay recharging units, produced in the UK by Brighton-based Elektromotive, have been installed at seven locations as part of a pilot project, and further expansion of the initiative is planned later in 2010.^[42]
In the United States, Mercedes-Benz was assessed a record US$30.66 million for their decision to not meet the federal corporate average fuel economy standard in 2009.^[43] Certain Mercedes-Benz cars including the S550, and all AMG models sold in the United States also face an additional gas guzzler tax.^[44] However, newer AMG models fitted with the M157 engine will not be subject to the gas-guzzler tax due to improved fuel economy,^[45] and newer models powered by the M276 and M278 engines will have better fuel economy. In 2008, Mercedes also had the worst CO₂ average of all major European manufacturers, ranking 14th out of 14 manufacturers.^[46] Mercedes was also the worst manufacturer in 2007 and 2006 in terms of average CO₂ levels, with 181 g and 188 g of CO₂ emitted per km, respectively.^[47]

[edit] Bicycles

Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH introduced three new bicycles in 2005,^[48] and the range has developed to include the patent pending Foldingbike in 2007.^[49] Other models include the Mercedes-Benz Carbon Bike,^[50] Fitness Bike^[51] and the Trailblazer Bike.^[52]

[edit] Motorsport

Main article: Mercedes-Benz in motorsport

A DMG Mercedes Simplex 1906 in the Deutsches Museum

1957 Mercedes-Benz 300Sc Cabriolet

1959 Mercedes-Benz W120 Model 180

The two companies which were merged to form the Mercedes-Benz brand in 1926 had both already enjoyed success in the new sport of motor racing throughout their separate histories—both had entries in the very first automobile race Paris to Rouen 1894. This has continued, and throughout its long history, the company has been involved in a range of motorsport activities, including sports car racing and rallying. On several occasions Mercedes-Benz has withdrawn completely from motorsport for a significant period, notably in the late 1930s, and after the 1955 Le Mans disaster, where a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR collided with another car and killed more than 80 spectators. Stirling Moss and co-driver Denis Jenkinson made history by winning the 1955 Mille Miglia road race in Italy during a record-breaking drive with an average speed was almost 98 mph in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.^[53]
Although there was some activity in the intervening years, it was not until 1987 that Mercedes-Benz returned to front line competition, returning to Le Mans, Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), and Formula One with Sauber. The 1990s saw Mercedes-Benz purchase British engine builder Ilmor (now Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines), and campaign IndyCars under the USAC/CART rules, eventually winning the 1994 Indianapolis 500 and 1994 CART IndyCar World Series Championship with Al Unser, Jr. at the wheel. The 1990s also saw the return of Mercedes-Benz to GT racing, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, both of which took the company to new heights by dominating the FIA's GT1 class.
Mercedes-Benz is currently active in three forms of motorsport, Formula Three, DTM and Formula One.

[edit] Formula 1

Main article: Mercedes-Benz in Formula One

Mercedes-Benz took part in the world championship in 1954 and 1955, but despite being successful with two championship titles for Juan-Manuel Fangio,^[54] the company left the sport after just two seasons. He is considered by many to be the best F1 driver in history.^[55]
Mercedes-Benz returned as an engine supplier in the 1990s and part-owned Team McLaren for some years, to which it has supplied engines engineered by Ilmor^[56] since 1995. This partnership brought success, including drivers championships for Mika Häkkinen in 1998 and 1999, and for Lewis Hamilton in 2008, as well as a constructors championship in 1998. The collaboration with McLaren had been extended into the production of roadgoing cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.
In 2007, McLaren-Mercedes was fined a record US$100 million for stealing confidential Ferrari technical data.^[57]
In 2009, Ross Brawn's newly conceived Formula One team, Brawn GP used Mercedes engines to help win the constructor's championship, and Jenson Button to become champion in the F1 drivers' championship. At the end of the season, Mercedes-Benz sold its 40% stake in McLaren to the McLaren Group and bought 70% of the Brawn GP team jointly with an Abu Dubai based investment consortium. Brawn GP was renamed Mercedes GP for the 2010 season and is, from this season on, a works team for Mercedes-Benz.

[edit] Noted employees

• Paul Bracq—major designer of automobiles in the 20th century
• Béla Barényi—car safety pioneer (rigid passenger safety shell), joined Daimler-Benz in 1937^[58]
• Wilhelm Maybach—automotive pioneer, first met Gottlieb Daimler in 1865^[59]
• Ferdinand Porsche—founder of Porsche, joined Mercedes in 1923 and developed the Kompressor^[60]
• Bruno Sacco—joined Daimler-Benz as a designer in 1958. Head of Design in 1975, retired in 1999^[61]
• Rudolf Uhlenhaut—joined Daimler-Benz in 1931, his designs included the Silver Arrows, the 300 SL and 300SLR^[62]
• Adolf Eichmann—former Nazi criminal. Worked in Argentina's factory after WWII
• Rudolf Caracciola—one of the greatest GP drivers in history drove MB Silver Arrows in competition

[edit] Innovations

Numerous technological innovations have been introduced on Mercedes-Benz automobiles throughout the many years of their production, including:

• The internal combustion engined automobile was developed independently by Benz and Daimler & Maybach in 1886
• Daimler invented the honeycomb radiator of the type still used on all water-cooled vehicles today
• Daimler invented the float carburetor which was used until replaced by fuel injection
• The "drop chassis"—the car originally designated the "Mercedes" by Daimler was also the first car with a modern configuration, having the carriage lowered and set between the front and rear wheels, with a front engine and powered rear wheels. All earlier cars were "horseless carriages", which had high centres of gravity and various engine/drive-train configurations
• The first passenger road car to have brakes on all four wheels (1924)^[63]
• The "safety cage" or "safety cell" construction with front and rear crumple zones was first developed by Mercedes-Benz in 1951. This is considered by many as the most important innovation in automobile construction from a safety standpoint^{[2][verification needed]}
• In 1959, Mercedes-Benz patented a device that prevents drive wheels from spinning by intervening at the engine, transmission, or brakes. In 1987, Mercedes-Benz applied its patent by introducing a traction control system that worked under both braking and acceleration
• Traction control and airbags in the European market, were Mercedes-Benz innovations.^{[citation needed]} These technologies were introduced in 1986, and 1980 respectively
• Mercedes-Benz was the first to introduce pre-tensioners to seat belts on the 1981 S-Class. In the event of a crash, a pre-tensioner will tighten the belt instantaneously, removing any 'slack' in the belt, which prevents the occupant from jerking forward in a crash
• In September 2003, Mercedes-Benz introduced the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission called '7G-Tronic'
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), brake assist,^[64] and many other types of safety equipment were all developed, tested, and implemented into passenger cars—first—by Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz has not made a large fuss about its innovations, and has even licensed them for use by competitors—in the name of improving automobile and passenger safety. As a result, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard on all modern vehicles.^{[2][verification needed]}

Mercedes M156 engine

• The most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in the world is the Mercedes-AMG, 6,208 cc M156 V8 engine at 85 PS (63 kW) per litre. The V8 engine is badged '63 AMG', and replaced the '55 AMG' M113 engine in most models. The M156 engine produces up to 391 kW (532 PS; 524 bhp), and although some models using this engine do have this output (such as the S63 and CL63 AMGs), specific output varies slightly across other models in the range^[65]
• The (W211) E320 CDI which has a variable geometry turbocharger (VTG) 2.8-litre V6 common rail diesel engine (producing 224 hp/167 kW), set three world endurance records. It covered 100,000 miles (160,000 km) in a record time, with an average speed of 224.823 km/h (139.70 mph). Three identical cars did the endurance run (one set above record) and the other two cars set world records for time taken to cover 100,000 kilometres (62,137 mi) and 50,000 miles (80,000 km) respectively. After all three cars had completed the run, their combined distance was 300,000 miles (480,000 km) (all records were FIA approved).^{[66][clarification needed]}
• Mercedes-Benz pioneered a system called Pre-Safe to detect an imminent crash—and prepares the car's safety systems to respond optimally. It also calculates the optimal braking force required to avoid an accident in emergency situations, and makes it immediately available for when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Occupants are also prepared by tightening the seat belt, closing the sunroof and windows, and moving the seats into the optimal position.

Half a century of vehicle safety innovation helped win Mercedes-Benz the Safety Award at the 2007 What Car? Awards.^[63]

[edit] Robot cars

Main article: Driverless car

In the 1980s, Mercedes built the world's first robot car, together with the team of Professor Ernst Dickmanns at Bundeswehr University Munich.^[67] Partially encouraged by Dickmanns' success, in 1987 the European Union's EUREKA programme initiated the Prometheus Project on autonomous vehicles, funded to the tune of nearly €800 million. A culmination point was achieved in 1995, when Dickmanns' re-engineered autonomous S-Class Mercedes took a long trip from Munich in Bavaria to Copenhagen in Denmark, and back. On highways, the robot achieved speeds exceeding 175 km/h (109 mph) (permissible in some areas of the German Autobahn). The car's abilities has heavily influenced robot car research and funding decisions worldwide.

[edit] Tuners

Several companies have become car tuners (or modifiers) of Mercedes Benz, in order to increase performance and/or luxury to a given model.
AMG is Mercedes-Benz's in-house performance-tuning division, specialising in high-performance versions of most Mercedes-Benz cars. AMG engines are all hand-built,^[68] and each completed engine receives a tag with the signature of the engineer who built it. AMG has been wholly owned by Mercedes-Benz since 1999.^[69] The 2009 SLS AMG, a revival of the 300SL Gullwing, is the first car to be entirely developed by AMG.
There are numerous independent tuners including, Brabus, Carlsson, Kleemann, Renntech and MKB.

[edit] See also

Companies portal

• Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

[edit] References

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[edit]

BMW

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This article is about the German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer. For other uses, see BMW (disambiguation).

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

Type	Aktiengesellschaft
Traded as	FWB: BMW
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor(s)	Bayerische Flugzeugwerke AG (BFW)[1]
Founded	21 July 1917
Founder(s)	Franz Josef Popp
Headquarters	Munich, Germany
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Norbert Reithofer (CEO), Joachim Milberg (Chairman of the supervisory board)
Products	Automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles
Production output	14,81,253 Automobiles (2010) 1,12,271 Motorcycles (2010)
Revenue	€60.48 billion (2010)[2]
Operating income	€5.094 billion (2010)[2]
Profit	€3.218 billion (2010)[2]
Total assets	€108.87 billion (end 2010)[2]
Total equity	€23.10 billion (end 2010)[2]
Employees	100,306 (end 2011) [3]
Subsidiaries	Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Husqvarna
Website	bmw.com

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG  pronunciation (help·info) (BMW; English: Bavarian Motor Works) is a German automobile, motorcycle and engine manufacturing company founded in 1917. BMW is headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It also owns and produces the Mini marque, and is the parent company of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW produces motorcycles under BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna brands. In 2010, the BMW group produced 1,481,253 automobiles and 112,271 motorcycles across all its brands.

Contents  [hide]  1 Company history 2 Shareholders structure 3 Production 3.1 Worldwide sales 4 Motorcycles 5 Automobiles 5.1 New Class 5.2 Current models 5.3 M models 6 Motorsport 6.1 Motorsport sponsoring 6.2 Motorcycle 6.3 Formula One 6.4 Sports car 6.5 Touring car 6.6 Rally 6.7 Other sport sponsorships 7 Environmental record 8 Bicycles 9 BMW nomenclature 9.1 Exceptions 10 Community 10.1 BMW slang 10.2 The arts 10.3 April Fools 11 Overseas subsidiaries 11.1 South Africa 11.2 United States 11.3 India 11.4 China 11.5 Canada 11.6 Egypt 12 See also 13 References 14 External links

[edit] Company history

BMW Headquarters in Munich, Germany

Main article: History of BMW

BMW entered existence as a business entity following a restructuring of the Rapp Motorenwerke aircraft engine manufacturing firm in 1917. After the end of World War I in 1918, BMW was forced to cease aircraft engine production by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty.^[4] The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923, once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted,^[5] followed by automobiles in 1928–29.^[6][7][8]
The first car which BMW successfully produced and the car which launched BMW on the road to automobile production was the Dixi, it was based on the Austin 7 and licensed from the Austin Motor Company in Birmingham, England.
The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel evolved from the circular Rapp Motorenwerke company logo, from which the BMW company grew, combined with the blue and white colors of the flag of Bavaria.^[9] The logo has been portrayed as the movement of an aircraft propeller with the white blades cutting through a blue sky — first used in a BMW advertisement in 1929, twelve years after the roundel was created — but this is not the origin of the logo itself.^[10]
BMW's first significant aircraft engine was the BMW IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine of 1918, much preferred for its high-altitude performance.^[11] With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful World War II engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-1945-era jet-powered "emergency fighter", the Heinkel He 162 Spatz. The BMW 003 jet engine was tested in the A-1b version of the world's first jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262, but BMW engines failed on takeoff, a major setback for the jet fighter program until successful testing with Junkers engines.^[12][13]
By the year 1959, the automotive division of BMW was in financial difficulties and a shareholders meeting was held to decide whether to go into liquidation or find a way of carrying on. It was decided to carry on and to try to cash in on the current economy car boom enjoyed so successfully by some of Germany's ex-aircraft manufacturers such as Messerschmitt and Heinkel. The rights to manufacture the Italian Iso Isetta were bought; the tiny cars themselves were to be powered by a modified form of BMW's own motorcycle engine. This was moderately successful and helped the company get back on its feet. The controlling majority shareholder of the BMW Aktiengesellschaft since 1959 is the Quandt family, which owns about 46% of the stock. The rest is in public float.
BMW acquired the Hans Glas company based in Dingolfing, Germany, in 1966. It was reputed that the acquisition was mainly to gain access to Glas' development of the timing belt with an overhead camshaft in automotive applications.^[14] Glas vehicles were briefly badged as BMW until the company was fully absorbed.
In 1992, BMW acquired a large stake in California based industrial design studio DesignworksUSA, which they fully acquired in 1995. In 1994, BMW bought the British Rover Group^[15] (which at the time consisted of the Rover, Land Rover and MG brands as well as the rights to defunct brands including Austin and Morris), and owned it for six years. By 2000, Rover was incurring huge losses and BMW decided to sell the combine. The MG and Rover brands were sold to the Phoenix Consortium to form MG Rover, while Land Rover was taken over by Ford. BMW, meanwhile, retained the rights to build the new Mini, which was launched in 2001.
Chief designer Chris Bangle announced his departure from BMW in February 2009, after serving on the design team for nearly seventeen years. He was replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, Bangle's former right hand man. Bangle was known for his radical designs such as the 2002 7-Series and the 2002 Z4. In July 2007, the production rights for Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported 93 million euros. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present location at Varese.

[edit] Shareholders structure

by ownership^[16]

• Stefan Quandt: 17.4%
• Johanna Quandt: 16.7%
• Susanne Klatten: 12.6%
• Free Float: 53.3%

by types

• Strategic investors: 46.7%
• Institutional investors:
  • North America: 15.8%
  • United Kingdom and Ireland: 11.8%
  • Other Europe: 5.7%
  • Germany: 4.8%
  • Rest of the world: 2.5%
• Other investors: 12.7%

[edit] Production

In 2006, the BMW group (including Mini and Rolls-Royce) produced 1,366,838 four-wheeled vehicles, which were manufactured in five countries.^[17] In 2010, it manufactured 1,481,253 four-wheeled vehicles and 112,271 motorcycles (under both the BMW and Husqvarna brands).^[2]
The BMW X3 (E83) was made by Magna Steyr, a subsidiary of Magna of Canada, in Graz, Austria under license from BMW until 2010. More than 45,973 were produced in 2009. Starting October 2010, the new BMW X3 (F25) is produced in BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.A. From September 2010, the plant is producing MINI Countryman.
It is reported that about 56% of BMW-brand vehicles produced are powered by petrol engines and the remaining 44% are powered by diesel engines. Of those petrol vehicles, about 27% are four-cylinder models and about nine percent are eight-cylinder models.^[18]
Annual Production

Year	BMW	MINI	Rolls-Royce	Motorcycle
2005	1,122,308	200,119	692	92,012
2006	1,179,317	186,674	847	103,759
2007	1,302,774	237,700	1,029	104,396
2008	1,203,482	235,019	1,417	118,452
2009	1,043,829	213,670	918	93,243
2010[2]	1,236,989	241,043	3,221	112,271

Production by country

Country	Make	2006	2008	Models
Germany	BMW	905,057	901,898	BMW 1, 3, 5, 6, Z, X1,
Mexico	BMW	1,500	100,000[19]	BMW X3, X5, 3, 5, 7, and Motorcycles
China	BMW	N/A	67,00	BMW 3, 5 series
Russia	BMW	1,500	2,000	BMW X5, X6, 5-series
United Kingdom	Mini	187,454	235,019	All Minis
	Rolls-Royce	67	1,417	All Rolls-Royce
Austria	BMW	114,306	82,863	BMW X3
United States	BMW	105,172	170,741	BMW X3, X5, X6
South Africa	BMW	54,782	47,980	BMW 3-Series
Total		1,366,838	1,439,918

BMW also has local assembly operation using complete knock down components in Thailand, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, for 3, 5, 7 series and X3.^[16]

[edit] Worldwide sales

Vehicles sold in all markets according to BMW's annual reports.

Year	BMW	MINI	Rolls-Royce	Motorcycle
2000	822,181
2001	880,677
2002	913,225
2003	928,151
2004	1,023,583
2005	1,126,768	200,428	796	97,474
2006	1,185,088	188,077	805	100,064
2007	1,276,793	222,875	1,010	102,467
2008	1,202,239	232,425	1,212	115,196
2009	1,068,770	216,538	1,002	100,358
2010	1,224,280	234,175	2,711	110,113

Since 2008, motorcycle sales figures include Husqvarna models.

[edit] Motorcycles

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

See also: BMW Motorrad and History of BMW motorcycles

The R32 motorcycle, the first BMW motor vehicle.

BMW began building motorcycle engines and then motorcycles after World War I.^[20] Its motorcycle brand is now known as BMW Motorrad. Their first successful motorcycle, after the failed Helios and Flink, was the "R32" in 1923. This had a "boxer" twin engine, in which a cylinder projects into the air-flow from each side of the machine. Apart from their single-cylinder models (basically to the same pattern), all their motorcycles used this distinctive layout until the early 1980s. Many BMWs are still produced in this layout, which is designated the R Series.

BMW K1200GT

BMW 1955 R67/3 was the last of the "plunger" models

During the Second World War, BMW produced the BMW R75 motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Featuring a unique design copied from the Zündapp KS750, its sidecar wheel was also motor-driven. Combined with a lockable differential, this made the vehicle very capable off-road, an equivalent in many ways to the Jeep.
In 1982, came the K Series, shaft drive but water-cooled and with either three or four cylinders mounted in a straight line from front to back. Shortly after, BMW also started making the chain-driven F and G series with single and parallel twin Rotax engines.
In the early 1990s, BMW updated the airhead Boxer engine which became known as the oilhead. In 2002, the oilhead engine had two spark plugs per cylinder. In 2004 it added a built-in balance shaft, an increased capacity to 1,170 cc and enhanced performance to 100 hp (75 kW) for the R1200GS, compared to 85 hp (63 kW) of the previous R1150GS. More powerful variants of the oilhead engines are available in the R1100S and R1200S, producing 98 hp (73 kW) and 122 hp (91 kW), respectively.
In 2004, BMW introduced the new K1200S Sports Bike which marked a departure for BMW. It features an engine producing 167 hp (125 kW), derived from the company's work with the Williams F1 team, and is lighter than previous K models. Innovations include electronically adjustable front and rear suspension, and a Hossack-type front fork that BMW calls Duolever.
BMW introduced anti-lock brakes on production motorcycles starting in the late 1980s. The generation of anti-lock brakes available on the 2006 and later BMW motorcycles pave the way for the introduction of electronic stability control, or anti-skid technology later in the 2007 model year.
BMW has been an innovator in motorcycle suspension design, taking up telescopic front suspension long before most other manufacturers. Then they switched to an Earles fork, front suspension by swinging fork (1955 to 1969). Most modern BMWs are truly rear swingarm, single sided at the back (compare with the regular swinging fork usually, and wrongly, called swinging arm). Some BMWs started using yet another trademark front suspension design, the Telelever, in the early 1990s. Like the Earles fork, the Telelever significantly reduces dive under braking.
In July 2007, the Italian-made Husqvarna Motorcycles was purchased by BMW for a reported €93 million. BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, have remained in place at its present location at Varese.^[21] Husqvarna manufactures motocross, enduro and supermoto motorcycles.

[edit] Automobiles

Main article: List of BMW vehicles

[edit] New Class

Main article: BMW New Class

The New Class (German: Neue Klasse) was a line of compact sedans and coupes starting with the 1962 1500 and continuing through the last 2002s in 1977. Powered by BMW's celebrated four-cylinder M10 engine, the New Class models featured a fully independent suspension, MacPherson struts in front, and front disc brakes. Initially a family of four-door sedans and two-door coupes, the New Class line was broadened to two-door sports sedans with the addition of the 02 Series 1600 and 2002 in 1966.
Sharing little in common with the rest of the line beyond power train, the sporty siblings caught auto enthusiasts' attention and established BMW as an international brand. Precursors to the famed BMW 3 Series, the two-doors' success cemented the firm's future as an upper tier performance car maker. New Class four-doors with numbers ending in "0" were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9, introduced in 1969 with the 2800CS. The 1600 two-door was discontinued in 1975, the 2002 replaced by the 320i in 1975.

[edit] Current models

New BMW 3-Series (F30)

The 1 Series, originally launched in 2004, is BMW's smallest car. Currently available are the second generation hatchback (F20) and first generation coupe/convertible (E82/E88). The 3 Series, a compact executive car manufactured since model year 1975, is currently in its sixth generation (F30); models include the sport sedan (F30), and fifth generation station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93). The 5 Series is a mid-size executive car, available in sedan (F10) and station wagon (F11) forms. The 5 Series Gran Turismo (F07), debuted in 2010, created a segment between station wagons and crossover SUV.^[22]

BMW 7-Series (F01)

BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan is the 7 Series. Typically, BMW introduces many of their innovations first in the 7 Series, such as the somewhat controversial iDrive system. The 7 Series Hydrogen, featuring one of the world's first hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines, is fueled by liquid hydrogen and emits only clean water vapor. The latest generation (F01) debuted in 2009. Based on the 5 Series' platform, the 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe/convertible (E63/E64). A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3, the Z4 (E85) has been sold since 2002.

BMW X3 SUV (F25)

The X3 (E83), BMW's second crossover SUV (called SAV or "Sports Activity Vehicle" by BMW) debuted in 2003 and is based on the E46/16 3 Series platform. Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. The all-wheel drive X5 (E70) was BMW's first crossover SUV (SAV), based on the 5 series, and is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. A 4-seat crossover SUV released by BMW in December 2007, the X6 is marketed as a "Sports Activity Coupe" (SAC) by BMW. The X1 extends the BMW Sports Activity Series model lineup.

• 1 Series (F20) (2011–present) Hatchback
• 1 Series (E81) (2004–present) Coupe and convertible
• 3 Series (F30) (2012–present) Sedan
• 3 Series (E90) (2005–present) Coupe, convertible and wagon
• 5 Series (F10) (2010–present) Sedan and Wagon
• 5 Series Gran Turismo (2009–present) Progressive Activity Sedan
• 6 Series (F12) (2010–present) Coupe and convertible
• 7 Series (F01) (2008–present) Sedan
• X1 (2009–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
• X3 (F25) (2010–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
• X5 (E70) (2006–present) Compact Crossover SUV/Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
• X6 (2008–present) Sports Activity Coupe
• Z4 (E89) (2009–present) Sports Roadster

[edit] M models

Main article: BMW M

BMW produce a number of high-performance derivatives of their cars developed by their BMW M GmbH (previously BMW Motorsport GmbH) subsidiary.
The current M models are:

• 1 Series M Coupe – E82 Coupe (2011 to present)
• M3 – E90 Sedan, E92 Coupe, E93 Cabriolet (2007 to present)
• M5 – F10 Saloon (2011 to present)
• M6 - F12/13 (2012 to present)
• X5 M – E70 SAV (2010 to present)
• X6 M – E71 SAV (2010 to present)

[edit] Motorsport

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2008)

Main article: BMW in motorsport

BMW has been engaged in motorsport activities since the dawn of the first BMW motorcycle.

[edit] Motorsport sponsoring

• Formula BMW – A Junior racing Formula category.
• Kumho BMW Championship – A BMW-exclusive championship run in the United Kingdom.

[edit] Motorcycle

BMW S1000RR

• Isle of Man TT – in 1939 BMW became the first foreign manufacturer to win the Isle of Man TT race with Georg Meier
• Dakar Rally – BMW motorcycles have won the Dakar rally six times. In 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, and 2000.^[23]
• Superbike World Championship – BMW returned to premier road racing in 2009 with their all new superbike, the BMW S1000RR.

[edit] Formula One

Main article: BMW in Formula One

BMW Sauber F1 Team Logo.

BMW first entered Formula One as a full-fledged team in 2006.

BMW has a history of success in Formula One. BMW powered cars have won 20 races. In 2006 BMW took over the Sauber team and became Formula One constructors. In 2007 and 2008 the team enjoyed some success. The most recent win is a lone constructor team's victory by BMW Sauber F1 Team, on 8 June 2008, at the Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubica driving. Achievements include:

• Driver championship: 1 (1983)
• Constructor championship: 0 (Runner-up 2002, 2003, 2007)
• Grand Prix wins: 20
• Podium finishes: 76
• Pole positions: 33
• Fastest laps: 33

BMW was an engine supplier to Williams, Benetton, Brabham, and Arrows. Notable drivers who have started their Formula One careers with BMW include Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel.
In July 2009, BMW announced that it would withdraw from Formula One at the end of the 2009 season.^[24] The team was sold back to the previous owner, Peter Sauber, who kept the BMW part of the name for the 2010 season due to issues with the Concorde Agreement. The team has since dropped BMW from their name starting in 2011.

[edit] Sports car

• Le Mans 24 Hours – BMW won Le Mans in 1999 with the BMW V12 LMR designed by Williams Grand Prix Engineering. Also the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team won the 1995 edition with a BMW-engined McLaren F1 GTR race car.
• Nürburgring – BMW won the 24 Hours Nürburgring 18 times and the 1000km Nürburgring twice (1976 and 1981).
• 24 Hours of Daytona – BMW won 2 times (1976, 2011)
• Spa 24 Hours – BMW won 21 times
• McLaren F1 GTR – Successful mid-1990s GT racing car with a BMW designed engine. It won the BPR Global GT Series in 1995 and 1996 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.
• American Le Mans Series – BMW has won three (2001, 2010, 2011) GT Team Championships and GT Automobile Manufacturer titles. Twice (2010, 2011) with Team RLL in the Crowne Plaza V8 powered M3 coupe and once (2001) with the BMW Motorsport team in the V8 powered M3 GTR.

[edit] Touring car

BMW has a long and successful history in touring car racing.

• European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) – Since 1968, BMW won 24 drivers' championships^{[citation needed]} along with several manufacturers' and teams' titles.
• World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) – BMW won four drivers' championship (1987, 2005, 2006 and 2007) and three manufacturers' titles (2005–2007).
• DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) – the following won the DTM drivers' championship driving BMWs:
  • 1989: Roberto Ravaglia, BMW M3
  • 1987: Eric van der Poele, BMW M3
• The DRM (Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft) was won by Harald Ertl in a BMW 320i Turbo in 1978
• British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) – BMW won the drivers' championship in 1988, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and manufacturers' championship in 1991 and 1993.
• SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge Touring Car Series(WC) – BMW won the manufacturer's championship in 2001 and Bill Auberlen, driving a Turner Motorsport BMW 325i, won the 2003 and 2004 Driver's Championships.
• Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) – BMW (Schnitzer) flew from Europe to Japan to compete in the JTCC and won the championship in 1995.
• Mille Miglia – BMW won the 1940 Brescia Grand Prix with a 328 Touring Coupé. Previously in 1938 the 328 sport car won the Mille Miglia 2000 litre class.

BMW announced on 15 October 2010 that it will return to touring car racing during the 2012 season. Dr. Klaus Draeger, who is in charge of the return to DTM racing (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters), commented that “The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this.”^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Rally

• RAC Rally – The 328 sport car won this event in 1939.
• Paris Dakar Rally – BMW motorcycles have won this event 6 times total including 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1999, 2000.
• Tour de Corse – The BMW M3 – E30 won this event in 1987.

[edit] Other sport sponsorships

BMW sponsors many other sports beyond motorsport. It is an official sponsor of the London 2012 olympics providing 4000 BMWs and Minis in a deal made in November 2009.^[25] The company also made a six-year sponsorship deal with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in July 2010.^[26]
BMW has sponsored various European golf events such as the PGA Championship at Wentworth, the BMW Italian Open and the BMW International Open in Germany.^[27]

[edit] Environmental record

The company is a charter member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Achievement Track, which recognises companies for their environmental stewardship and performance. It is also a member of the South Carolina Environmental Excellence Program and is on the Dow Jones Sustainability Group Index, which rates environmentally friendly companies.^[28] BMW has taken measures to reduce the impact the company has on the environment. It is trying to design less-polluting cars by making existing models more efficient, as well as developing environmentally friendly fuels for future vehicles. Possibilities include: electric power, hybrid power (combustion engines and electric motors) hydrogen engines.^[29]
BMW offers 49 models with EU5/6 emissions norm and nearly 20 models with CO2 output less than 140 g/km, which puts it on the lowest tax group and therefore could provide the future owner with eco-bonus offered from some European countries.
However, there have been some criticisms directed at BMW, and in particular, accusations of greenwash in reference to their BMW Hydrogen 7. Some critics claim that the emissions produced during hydrogen fuel production outweigh the reduction of tailpipe emissions, and that the Hydrogen 7 is a distraction from more immediate, practical solutions for car pollution.^[30]

[edit] Bicycles

BMW has created a range of high-end bicycles sold online and through dealerships. They range from the Kid's Bike to the EUR 4,499 Enduro Bike.^[31] In the United States, only the Cruise Bike and Kid's Bike models are sold.

[edit] BMW nomenclature

BMW vehicles follow a certain nomenclature; usually a 3 digit number is followed by 1 or 2 letters. The first number represents the series number. The next two numbers traditionally represent the engine displacement in cubic centimeters divided by 100.^[32] However, more recent cars use those two numbers as a performance index, as e.g. the 116i, 118i and 120i (all 2,0L gas-powered), just like the 325d and 330d (both 3,0L diesel) share the same motor block while adjusting engine power through setup and turbocharging. A similar nomenclature is used by BMW Motorrad for their motorcycles.
The system of letters can be used in combination, and is as follows:

• A = automatic transmission
• C = coupé, last used on the BMW E46 and the BMW E63 (dropped after 2005 model year)
• c = cabriolet
• d = diesel^†
• e = eta (efficient economy, from the Greek letter 'η')
• g = compressed natural gas/CNG
• h = hydrogen
• i = fuel-injected
• L = long wheelbase
• s = sport, also means "2 dr" on E36 model^††
• sDrive = rear-wheel drive
• T = touring (wagon/estate)
• Ti = hatchback for the BMW 3 Series hatchback
• x / xDrive = BMW xDrive all-wheel drive

^† historic nomenclature indicating "td" refers to "Turbo Diesel", not a diesel hatchback or touring model (524td, 525td)
^†† typically includes sport seats, spoiler, aerodynamic body kit, upgraded wheels and Limit Slip Differential on pre-95 model etc.
For example, the BMW 750iL is a fuel-injected 7 Series with a long wheelbase and 5.4  litres of displacement. This badge was used for successive generations, E65 and F01, except the "i" and "L" switched places, so it read "Li" instead of "iL".
When 'L' supersedes the series number (e.g. L6, L7, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as a special luxury variant, featuring extended leather and special interior appointments. The L7 is based on the E23 and E38, and the L6 is based on the E24.
When 'X' is capitalised and supersedes the series number (e.g. X3, X5, etc.) it identifies the vehicle as one of BMW's Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV), their brand of crossovers, featuring BMW's xDrive. The second number in the 'X' series denotes the platform that it is based upon, for instance the X5 is derived from the 5 Series. Unlike BMW cars, the SAV's main badge does not denote engine size, the engine is instead indicated on side badges.
The 'Z' identifies the vehicle as a two-seat roadster (e.g. Z1, Z3, Z4, etc.). 'M' variants of 'Z' models have the 'M' as a suffix or prefix, depending on country of sale (e.g. 'Z4 M' is 'M Roadster' in Canada).
Previous X & Z vehicles had 'i' or 'si' following the engine displacement number (denoted in litres). BMW is now globally standardising this nomenclature on X & Z vehicles by using 'sDrive' or 'xDrive' (simply meaning rear or all-wheel drive, respectively) followed by two numbers which vaguely represent the vehicle's engine (e.g. Z4 sDrive35i is a rear-wheel-drive Z4 roadster with a 3.0 L twin-turbo fuel-injected engine).^[33]
BMW last used the 's' for the E36 328is, which ceased production in 1999. However, the 's' nomenclature was brought back on the 2011 model year BMW 335is and BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The 335is is a sport-tuned trim with more performance and an optional dual clutch transmission that slots between the regular 335i and top-of-the-line M3.^[34][35]
The 'M' – for Motorsport – identifies the vehicle as a high-performance model of a particular series (e.g. M3, M5, M6, etc.). For example, the M6 is the highest performing vehicle in the 6 Series lineup. Although 'M' cars should be separated into their respective series platforms, it is very common to see 'M' cars grouped together as its own lineup on the official BMW website.

[edit] Exceptions

There are exceptions to the numbering nomenclature.^[36]
The M version of the BMW 1 Series was named the BMW 1 Series M Coupe rather than the traditional style "M1" due to the possible confusion with BMW's former BMW M1 homologation sports car.
The M versions of the Sports Activity Vehicles, such as the X5 M, could not follow the regular naming convention since MX5 was used for Mazda's MX-5 Miata.
For instance in the 2008 model year, the BMW 125i/128i, 328i, and 528i all had 3.0 naturally aspirated engines (N52), not a 2,500 cc or 2,800 cc engine as the series designation number would lead one to believe. The '28' is to denote a detuned engine in the 2008 cars, compared to the 2006 model year '30' vehicles (330i and 530i) whose 3.0 naturally aspirated engines are from the same N52 family but had more output.
The 2008 BMW 335i and 535i also have 3.0-litre engine; however the engines are twin-turbocharged (N54) which is not identified by the nomenclature. Nonetheless the '35' indicates a more powerful engine than previous '30' models that have the naturally aspirated N52 engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 335is shares the same twin-turbo 3.0 engine from the N54 family but tuned to higher outputs, although the badging is not consistent ('40' and 's').
The E36 and E46 323i and E39 523i had 2.5-litre engines. The E36 318i made after 1996 has a 1.9 L engine (M44) as opposed to the 1.8 L (M42) used in the 1992 to 1995 models.
The badging for recent V8 engines (N62 and N63) also does not indicate displacement, as the 2006 750i and 2009 750i have 4800 cc (naturally aspirated) and 4400 cc (twin-turbocharged) engines, respectively.

[edit] Community

BMW logo sign in Düsseldorf

From the summer of 2001 until October 2005, BMW hosted the "BMW Films". Archived from [/ the original] on 27 September 2007. website, showcasing sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos are still popular within the enthusiast community and proved to be a ground-breaking online advertising campaign.
Annually since 1999, BMW enthusiasts have met in Santa Barbara, CA to attend Bimmerfest. One of the largest brand-specific gatherings in the U.S., over 3,000 people attended in 2006, and over 1,000 BMW cars were present. In 2007, the event was held on 5 May.

[edit] BMW slang

The initials BMW are pronounced [ˈbeː ˈɛm ˈveː] in German.^[37] The model series are referred to as "Einser" ("One-er" for 1 series), "Dreier" ("Three-er" for 3 series), "Fünfer" ("Five-er" for the 5 series), "Sechser" ("Six-er" for the 6 series), "Siebener" ("Seven-er" for the 7 series). These are not actually slang, but are the normal way that such letters and numbers are pronounced in German.^[38]
The English slang terms Beemer, Bimmer and Bee-em are variously used for BMWs of all kinds,^[39][40] cars, and motorcycles.^[41][42]
In the US, specialists have been at pains to prescribe that a distinction must be made between using Beemer exclusively to describe BMW motorcycles, and using Bimmer only to refer to BMW cars,^[43][44][45] in the manner of a "true aficionado"^[46] and avoid appearing to be "uninitiated."^[47][48] The Canadian Globe and Mail prefers Bimmer and calls Beemer a "yuppie abomination,"^[49] while the Tacoma News Tribune says it is a distinction made by "auto snobs."^[50] Using the wrong slang risks offending BMW enthusiasts.^[51][52][53] An editor of Business Week was satisfied in 2003 that the question was resolved in favor of Bimmer by noting that a Google search yielded 10 times as many hits compared to Beemer.^[54]

[edit] The arts

1975 BMW 3.0CSL painted by Alexander Calder.

Manufacturers employ designers for their cars, but BMW has made efforts to gain recognition for exceptional contributions to and support of the arts, including art beyond motor vehicle design. These efforts typically overlap or complement BMW's marketing and branding campaigns.^[55] The headquarters building, designed in 1972 by Karl Schwanzer has become a European icon,^[56] and artist Gerhard Richter created his Red, Yellow, Blue series of paintings for the building's lobby.^[57][58] In 1975, Alexander Calder was commissioned to paint the 3.0CSL driven by Hervé Poulain at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This led to more BMW Art Cars, painted by artists including David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, and others. The cars, currently numbering 17, have been shown at the Louvre, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, and, in 2009, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and New York's Grand Central Terminal.^[56] BMW was the principal sponsor of the 1998 The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and other Guggenheim museums, though the financial relationship between BMW and the Guggenheim was criticised in many quarters.^[59][60]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW Art Cars

The 2006 "BMW Performance Series" was a marketing event geared to attract black car buyers, and featured the "BMW Pop-Jazz Live Series," a tour headlined by jazz musician Mike Phillips, and the "BMW Blackfilms.com Film Series" highlighting black filmmakers.^[61]

[edit] April Fools

BMW has garnered a reputation over the years for its April Fools pranks, which are printed in the British press every year. In 2010, they ran an advert announcing that customers would be able to order BMWs with different coloured badges to show their affiliation with the political party they supported.

[edit] Overseas subsidiaries

[edit] South Africa

BMWs have been assembled in South Africa since 1968,^[62] when Praetor Monteerders' plant was opened in Rosslyn, near Pretoria. BMW initially bought shares in the company, before fully acquiring it in 1975; in so doing, the company became BMW South Africa, the first wholly owned subsidiary of BMW to be established outside Germany. Three unique models that BMW Motorsport created for the South African market were the E23 M745i (1983), which used the M88 engine from the BMW M1, the BMW 333i (1986), which added a six-cylinder 3.2-litre M30 engine to the E30,^[63] and the E30 BMW 325is (1989) which was powered by an Alpina-derived 2.7-litre engine.
Unlike U.S. manufacturers, such as Ford and GM, which divested from the country in the 1980s, BMW retained full ownership of its operations in South Africa. Following the end of apartheid in 1994, and the lowering of import tariffs, BMW South Africa ended local production of the 5-Series and 7-Series, in order to concentrate on production of the 3-Series for the export market. South African–built BMWs are now exported to right hand drive markets including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 1997, BMW South Africa has produced vehicles in left-hand drive for export to Taiwan, the United States and Iran, as well as South America.
BMWs with a VIN starting with "NC0" are manufactured in South Africa.

[edit] United States

BMW Spartanburg factory

BMW Manufacturing Co has been manufacturing the X5 and, more recently, the X6 in Greer near Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.^[64] The smaller X3 has began production in Spartanburg. BMW's with a VIN starting with "4US and 5US" are manufactured in Spartanburg.
In 2010 BMW announced that it would spend $750 million to expand operations at the Spartanburg plant. This expansion will allow production of 240,000 vehicles a year and will make the plant the largest car factory in the United States by number of employees.^[65]

[edit] India

BMW India was established in 2006 as a sales subsidiary in Gurgaon (National Capital Region). A state-of-the-art assembly plant for BMW 3 and 5 Series started operation in early 2007 in Chennai. Construction of the plant started in January 2006 with an initial investment of more than one billion Indian Rupees. The plant started operation in the first quarter of 2007 and produces the different variants of BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series.^[66] In 2011, The Brand Trust Report, India study, ranked BMW as the most trusted brand in India.^[67]

[edit] China

Main article: Brilliance Automotive

Signing a deal in 2003 for the production of sedans in China,^[68] May 2004 saw the opening of a factory in the North-eastern city of Shenyang where Brilliance Automotive produces BMW-branded automobiles^[69] in a joint venture with the German company.^[70]

[edit] Canada

In October 2008, BMW Group Canada was named one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc., which was announced by the Toronto Star newspaper.^[71]

[edit] Egypt

Bavarian Auto Group is a multinational group of companies established in March 2003 when it was appointed as the sole importer of BMW and Mini in Egypt, with monopoly rights for import, assembly, distribution, sales and after-sales support of BMW products in Egypt. Since that date, BAG invested a total amount of US$100 million distributed on seven companies and 11 premises in addition to three stores.
Currently, the facility enables Bavarian Auto the opportunity to offer a full range of locally assembled models; including the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series and X3 which. In combination with a new range of imported models; including the BMW 1 Series, 6 Series, X5, X6 and various Mini models.

[edit] See also

	Bavaria portal
	Companies portal
	Cars portal

BMW Central Building BMW CleanEnergy BMW films BMW Headquarters

iDrive BMW in motorsport History of BMW History of BMW motorcycles

List of BMW engines Streetcarver BMW Street Carver Skateboards

[edit] References

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13. ^ Radinger, Will; Schick., Walter (1996). Me262 (in German). Berlin: Avantic Verlag GmbH. p. 23. ISBN 3-925505-21-0
14. ^ Toronto Star 3 July 2004
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26. ^ "BMW, USOC make 6-year sponsorship deal official". CNN. 26 July 2010.^{[dead link]}
27. ^ "BMW extends sponsorship of Wentworth PGA event". Sportbusiness.com. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
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36. ^ Carver, Robert. BMW San Antonio. BMW Information http://www.mrbimmer.com/bmw.information
37. ^ Stevens Sheldon, Edward (1891). A short German grammar for high schools and colleges. Heath. p. 1
38. ^ Schmitt, Peter A (2004). Langenscheidt Fachwörterbuch Technik und Angewandte Wissenschaften: Englisch – Deutsch / Deutsch – Englisch (2nd ed.). Langenscheidt Fachverlag. ISBN 386117233X, 9783861172338
39. ^ "Bee em / BMW Motorcycle Club of Victoria Inc". National Library of Australia. Retrieved 23 October 2009.
40. ^ "No Toupees allowed". Bangkok Post. 209–10–02. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
41. ^ Lighter, Jonathan E. (1994). Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang: A-G. 1. Random House. pp. 126–7. ISBN 0394544277, 9780394544274. "Beemer n. [BMW + ''er''] a BMW automobile. Also Beamer. 1982 S. Black Totally Awesome 83 BMW ("Beemer"). 1985 L.A. Times (13 Apr.) V 4: Id much rather drive my Beemer than a truck. 1989 L. Roberts Full Cleveland 39: Baby boomers... in... late-model Beemers. 1990 Hull High (NBC-TV): You should ee my dad's new Beemer. 1991 Cathy (synd. cartoon strip) (21 Apr.): Sheila... [ground] multi-grain snack chips crumbs into the back seat of my brand-new Beamer! 1992 Time (May 18) 84: Its residents tend to drive pickups or subcompacts, not Beemers or Rolles."
42. ^ Lighter, Jonathan E. (1994). Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang: A-G. 1. Random House. p. 159. ISBN 0394544277, 9780394544274. "Bimmer n. Beemer."
43. ^ "Bimmer vs. Beemer". boston-bmwcca.org. Retrieved 23 June 2007.
44. ^ Duglin Kennedy, Shirley (2005). The Savvy Guide to Motorcycles. Indy Tech Publishing. ISBN 0790613166, 9780790613161. "Beemer – BMW motorcycle; as opposed to Bimmer, which is a BMW automobile."
45. ^ Yates, Brock (12 March 1989). "You Say Porsch and I Say Porsch-eh". The Washington Post: p. w45. "'Bimmer' is the slang for a BMW automobile, but 'Beemer' is right when referring to the company's motorcycles."^{[dead link]}
46. ^ Morsi, Pamela (2002). Doing Good. Mira. p. 18. ISBN 155166884X, 9781551668840. "True aficionados know that the nickname Beemer actually refers to the BMW motorcycle. Bimmer is the correct nickname for the automobile"
47. ^ Herchenroether, Dan; SellingAir, LLC (2004). Selling Air: A Tech Bubble Novel. SellingAir, LLC. ISBN 0975422405, 9780975422403
48. ^ Hoffmann, Peter (1998). Hydrogen & fuel cell letter. Peter Hoffmann. "For the uninitiated, a Bimmer is a BMW car, and a Beemer is a motorcycle."
49. ^ English, Bob (7 April 2009). "Why wait for spring? Lease it now". Globe and Mail (Toronto, CA: CTVglobemedia Publishing). "If you're a Bimmer enthusiast (not that horrible leftover 1980s yuppie abomination Beemer), you've undoubtedly read the reviews,"
50. ^ THE NOSE: FWay students knew who they were voting for in school poll :[South Sound Edition]. 25 October 2002. The News Tribune,p. B01. Retrieved 6 July 2009, from ProQuest Newsstand. (Document ID: 223030831) |quote=We're told by auto snobs that the word 'beemer' actually refers to the BMW motorcycle, and that when referring to a BMW automobile, the word's pronounced 'bimmer.'
51. ^ "ROAD WARRIOR Q&A: Freeway Frustration". Las Vegas Review-Journal. 25 May 2005. "I was informed a while back that BMW cars are 'Bimmers' and BMW motorcycles are 'Beemers' or 'Beamers.' I know that I am not here to change the world's BMW jargon nor do I even own a BMW, but I thought I would pass along this bit of info as not to offend the car enthusiast that enlightened me."
52. ^ "GWINNETT VENT.(Gwinnett News)". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, GA): p. J2. 11 February 2006. "It is Bimmers people, Bimmers. Not Beamers, not Beemers. Just Bimmers. And start pronouncing it correctly also.
    No, it's BMWs, not Bimmers.
    WOW! Some Beamer driver must be having a bad hair day."
53. ^ Zesiger, Sue (26 June 2000). "Why Is BMW Driving Itself Crazy? The Rover deal was a dog, but it didn't cure BMW's desire to be a big-league carmaker—even if that means more risky tactics". Fortune Magazine (CNN). "Bimmers (yes, it's 'Bimmer' for cars—the often misused 'Beemer' refers only to the motorcycles)."
54. ^ "International – Readers Report. Not All BMW Owners Are Smitten". Business Week (The McGraw-Hill Companies). 30 June 2003. "Editor's note: Both nicknames are widely used, though Bimmer is the correct term for BMW cars, Beemer for BMW motorcycles. A Google search yields approximately 10 times as many references to Bimmer as to Beemer."
55. ^ "BMW Commissions Artists for Auto Werke Art Project". Art Business News 27 (13): p. 22. 2000
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60. ^ Vogel, Carol (3 August 1998). "Latest Biker Hangout? Guggenheim Ramp". The New York Times: p. A1
61. ^ "BMW arts series aims at black consumers". Automotive News 80 (6215): p. 37. 7 August 2006
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71. ^ "Reasons for Selection, 2009 Greater Toronto's Top Employers Competition".

[edit] External links

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Karl Benz

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Karl Benz
Born	November 25, 1844 Mühlburg (Karlsruhe)
Died	April 4, 1929 (aged 84) Ladenburg
Nationality	German
Education	University of Karlsruhe
Spouse	Bertha Ringer
Children	5, Eugen, Richard, Clara, Ellen, Thilde
Parents	Johann George Benz (father), Josephine Vaillant (mother)
Work
Significant projects	founded Mercedes-Benz
Significant design	Benz Patent Motorwagen
Significant advance	gasoline-powered automobile

 Karl Friedrich Benz (help·info) (November 25, 1844 – April 4, 1929) was a German engine designer and car engineer, generally regarded as the inventor of the gasoline-powered automobile, and together with Bertha Benz pioneering founder of the automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Other German contemporaries, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach working as partners, also worked on similar types of inventions, without knowledge of the work of the other, but Benz patented his work first, and, subsequently patented all the processes that made the internal combustion engine feasible for use in an automobile. In 1879 his first engine patent was granted to him and in 1886 Benz was granted a patent for his first automobile.

Contents  [hide]  1 Early life 2 Benz's first factory and early inventions (1871–1882) 3 Benz's Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim (1882–1883) 4 Benz & Cie. and the Motorwagen 5 Benz & Cie. expansion 6 Blitzen Benz 7 Benz Söhne (1906–1923) 8 Toward Daimler-Benz and the first Mercedes-Benz in 1926 9 In popular culture 10 See also 11 Notes 12 References 13 External links

[edit] Early life

Karl Benz was born Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant, in Karlsruhe, Baden, which is part of modern Germany, to Josephine Vaillant and a locomotive driver, Johann George Benz, whom she married a few months later.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} When he was two years old, his father was killed in a railway accident, and his name was changed to Karl Friedrich Benz in remembrance of his father.^[6]
Despite living in near poverty, his mother strove to give him a good education. Benz attended the local Grammar School in Karlsruhe and was a prodigious student. In 1853, at the age of nine he started at the scientifically oriented Lyceum. Next he studied at the Poly-Technical University under the instruction of Ferdinand Redtenbacher.

Karl Benz, 1869, 25 years old (Zenodot Verlagsges. mbH)

Benz had originally focused his studies on locksmithing, but eventually followed his father's steps toward locomotive engineering. On September 30, 1860, at age fifteen, he passed the entrance exam for mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, which he subsequently attended. Benz was graduated July 9, 1864 at nineteen.
During these years, while riding his bicycle, he started to envision concepts for a vehicle that would eventually become the horseless carriage.
Following his formal education, Benz had seven years of professional training in several companies, but did not fit well in any of them. The training started in Karlsruhe with two years of varied jobs in a mechanical engineering company.
He then moved to Mannheim to work as a draftsman and designer in a scales factory. In 1868 he went to Pforzheim to work for a bridge building company Gebrüder Benckiser Eisenwerke und Maschinenfabrik. Finally, he went to Vienna for a short period to work at an iron construction company.

[edit] Benz's first factory and early inventions (1871–1882)

In 1871, at the age of twenty-seven, Karl Benz joined August Ritter in launching the Iron Foundry and Mechanical Workshop in Mannheim, later renamed Factory for Machines for Sheet-metal Working.^[7]
The enterprise's first year went very badly. Ritter turned out to be unreliable, and the business's tools were impounded. The difficulty was overcome when Benz's fiancée, Bertha Ringer, bought out Ritter's share in the company using her dowry.^[7][8]
On July 20, 1872 Karl Benz and Bertha Ringer married. They had five children: Eugen (1873), Richard (1874), Clara (1877), Thilde (1882), and Ellen (1890).
Despite such business misfortunes, Karl Benz led in the development of new engines in the early factory he and his wife owned. To get more revenues, in 1878 he began to work on new patents. First, he concentrated all his efforts on creating a reliable gas two-stroke engine. Benz finished his two-stroke engine on December 31, 1878, New Year's Eve, and was granted a patent for it in 1879.
Karl Benz showed his real genius, however, through his successive inventions registered while designing what would become the production standard for his two-stroke engine. Benz soon patented the speed regulation system, the ignition using white power sparks with battery, the spark plug, the carburetor, the clutch, the gear shift, and the water radiator.

[edit] Benz's Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim (1882–1883)

Problems arose again when the banks at Mannheim demanded that Bertha and Karl Benz's enterprise be incorporated due to the high production costs it maintained. The Benzes were forced to improvise an association with photographer Emil Bühler and his brother (a cheese merchant), in order to get additional bank support. The company became the joint-stock company Gasmotoren Fabrik Mannheim in 1882.
After all the necessary incorporation agreements, Benz was unhappy because he was left with merely five percent of the shares and a modest position as director. Worst of all, his ideas weren't considered when designing new products, so he withdrew from that corporation just one year later, in 1883.

[edit] Benz & Cie. and the Motorwagen

1885 Benz Patent Motorwagen

Three wheels
Tubular steel frame
Rack and pinion steering, connected to a driver end tiller; wheel chained to front axle
Electric ignition
Differential rear end gears (mechanically operated inlet valves)
Water-cooled internal combustion engine
Gas or petrol four-stroke horizontally mounted engine
Single cylinder, Bore 116 mm, Stroke 160 mm
Patent model: 958 cc, 0.8 hp, 600 W, 16 km/h
Commercialized model: 1600 cc, ¾ hp, 8 mph (13 km/h)

Official signpost of Bertha Benz Memorial Route, commemorating the world's first long distance journey with a Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 3 in 1888

Early logo used on automobiles by Karl Benz

Benz's lifelong hobby brought him to a bicycle repair shop in Mannheim owned by Max Rose and Friedrich Wilhelm Eßlinger. In 1883, the three founded a new company producing industrial machines: Benz & Company Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, usually referred to as, Benz & Cie. Quickly growing to twenty-five employees, it soon began to produce static gas engines as well.
The success of the company gave Benz the opportunity to indulge in his old passion of designing a horseless carriage. Based on his experience with, and fondness for, bicycles, he used similar technology when he created an automobile. It featured wire wheels (unlike carriages' wooden ones) ^[9] with a four-stroke engine of his own design between the rear wheels, with a very advanced coil ignition ^[10] and evaporative cooling rather than a radiator.^[10] Power was transmitted by means of two roller chains to the rear axle. Karl Benz finished his creation in 1885 and named it the Benz Patent Motorwagen.
It was the first automobile entirely designed as such to generate its own power, not simply a motorized-stage coach or horse carriage, which is why Karl Benz was granted his patent and is regarded as its inventor.
The Motorwagen was patented on January 29, 1886 as DRP-37435: "automobile fueled by gas".^[11] The 1885 version was difficult to control, leading to a collision with a wall during a public demonstration. The first successful tests on public roads were carried out in the early summer of 1886. The next year Benz created the Motorwagen Model 2, which had several modifications, and in 1887, the definitive Model 3 with wooden wheels was introduced, showing at the Paris Expo the same year.^[10]
Benz began to sell the vehicle (advertising it as the Benz Patent Motorwagen) in the late summer of 1888, making it the first commercially available automobile in history. The second customer of the Motorwagen was a Parisian bicycle manufacturer ^[10] Emile Roger who had already been building Benz engines under license from Karl Benz for several years. Roger added the Benz automobiles (many built in France) to the line he carried in Paris and initially most were sold there.

Replica of the Benz Patent Motorwagen built in 1885

Engine of the Benz Patent Motorwagen

Early customers could only buy gasoline from pharmacies that sold small quantities as a cleaning product. The early 1888 version of the Motorwagen had no gears and could not climb hills unaided. This limitation was rectified after Bertha Benz made her famous trip driving one of the vehicles a great distance and suggested to her husband the addition of another gear.
An important part in the Benz story is this first long distance automobile trip, where entrepreneurial Bertha Benz, supposedly without the knowledge of her husband, on the morning of August 5, 1888, took this vehicle on a 106 km (66 mi) trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim to visit her mother, taking her sons Eugen and Richard with her. In addition to having to locate pharmacies on the way to fuel up, she repaired various technical and mechanical problems and invented brake lining. After some longer downhill slopes she ordered a shoemaker to nail leather on the brake blocks. Bertha Benz and sons finally arrived at nightfall, announcing the achievement to Karl by telegram. It had been her intention to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Benz Motorwagen for travel and to generate publicity in the manner now referred to as live marketing. Today the event is celebrated every two years in Germany with an antique automobile rally. In 2008 Bertha Benz Memorial Route^[12] was officially approved as a route of industrial heritage of mankind, because it follows Bertha Benz's tracks of the world's first long-distance journey by automobile in 1888. Now everybody can follow the 194 km of signposted route from Mannheim via Heidelberg to Pforzheim (Black Forest) and back.
Benz's Model 3 made its wide-scale debut to the world in the 1889 World's Fair in Paris; about twenty-five Motorwagens were built between 1886 and 1893.

[edit] Benz & Cie. expansion

Karl Benz introduced the Velo in 1894, becoming the first production automobile

Bertha Benz with her husband Karl Benz in a Benz Viktoria, model 1894

First internal combustion engined bus in history: a Benz truck modified by Netphener company (1895)

Benz "Velo" model presentation in London 1898

The great demand for stationary, static internal combustion engines forced Karl Benz to enlarge the factory in Mannheim, and in 1886 a new building located on Waldhofstrasse (operating until 1908) was added. Benz & Cie. had grown in the interim from 50 employees in 1889 to 430 in 1899.
During the last years of the nineteenth century, Benz was the largest automobile company in the world with 572 units produced in 1899.
Because of its size, in 1899, Benz & Cie. became a joint-stock company with the arrival of Friedrich von Fischer and Julius Ganß, who came aboard as members of the Board of Management. Ganß worked in the commercialization department, which is somewhat similar to marketing in contemporary corporations.
The new directors recommended that Benz should create a less expensive automobile suitable for mass production. In 1893, Karl Benz created the Victoria, a two-passenger automobile with a 2.2 kW (3.0 hp) engine, which could reach the top speed of 18 km/h (11 mph) and had a pivotal front axle operated by a roller-chained tiller for steering. The model was successful with 85 units sold in 1893.
The Benz Velo also participated in the first automobile race, the 1894 Paris to Rouen Rally.
In 1895, Benz designed the first truck in history, with some of the units later modified by the first motor bus company: the Netphener, becoming the first motor buses in history.
In 1896, Karl Benz was granted a patent for his design of the first flat engine. It had horizontally opposed pistons, a design in which the corresponding pistons reach top dead centre simultaneously, thus balancing each other with respect to momentum. Flat engines with four or fewer cylinders are most commonly called boxer engines, boxermotor in German, and also are known as horizontally opposed engines. This design is still used by Porsche, Subaru, and some high performance engines used in racing cars. In motorcycles, the most famous boxer engine is found in BMW motorcycles,^{[citation needed]} though the boxer engine design was used in many other models, including Zundapp, Wooler, Douglas Dragonfly, Ratier, Universal, IMZ-Ural, Dnepr, Gnome et Rhône, Chang Jiang, Marusho, and the Honda Gold Wing.
Although Gottlieb Daimler died in March 1900—and there is no evidence that Benz and Daimler knew each other nor that they knew about each other's early achievements—eventually, competition with Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Stuttgart began to challenge the leadership of Benz & Cie. In October 1900 the main designer of DMG, Wilhelm Maybach, built the engine that would be used later, in the Mercedes-35hp of 1902. The engine was built to the specifications of Emil Jellinek under a contract for him to purchase thirty-six vehicles with the engine and for him to become a dealer of the special series. Jellinek stipulated the new engine be named Daimler-Mercedes (for his daughter). Maybach would quit DMG in 1907, but he designed the model and all of the important changes. After testing, the first was delivered to Jellinek on December 22, 1900. Jellinek continued to make suggestions for changes to the model and obtained good results racing the automobile in the next few years, encouraging DMG to engage in commercial production of automobiles, which they did in 1902.

Logo with laurels used on Benz & Cie automobiles after 1909

Benz countered with Parsifil, introduced in 1903 with a vertical twin engine that achieved a top speed of 37 mph (60 km/h). Then, without consulting Benz, the other directors hired some French designers. France was a country with an extensive automobile industry based on Maybach's creations. Because of this action, after difficult discussions, Karl Benz announced his retirement from design management on January 24, 1903, although he remained as director on the Board of Management through its merger with DMG in 1926 and, remained on the board of the new Daimler-Benz corporation until his death in 1929.
Benz's sons Eugen and Richard left Benz & Cie. in 1903, but Richard returned to the company in 1904 as the designer of passenger vehicles.
That year, sales of Benz & Cie. reached 3,480 automobiles, and the company remained the leading manufacturer of automobiles.
Along with continuing as a director of Benz & Cie., Karl Benz would soon found another company, C. Benz Söhnewith (with his son Eugen and closely held within the family), a privately held company for manufacturing automobiles. The brand name used the first initial of the French variant of Benz's first name, "Carl" (see discussion on the talk page).

[edit] Blitzen Benz

1909 Blitzen Benz - built by Benz & Cie., which held the land speed record

In 1909, the Blitzen Benz was built in Mannheim by Benz & Cie. The bird-beaked vehicle had a 21.5-liter (1312ci), 150 kW (200 hp) engine, and on November 9, 1909 in the hands of Victor Hémery of France,^[13] the land speed racer at Brooklands, set a record of 226.91 km/h (141.94 mph), said to be "faster than any plane, train, or automobile" at the time, a record that was not exceeded for ten years by any other vehicle. It was transported to several countries, including the United States, to establish multiple records of this achievement.

[edit] Benz Söhne (1906–1923)

Karl and Bertha Benz c. 1914 (collection of Zenodot Verlagsgesellschaft mbH)

Karl Benz, Bertha Benz, and their son, Eugen, moved 10 km east of Mannheim to live in nearby Ladenburg, and solely with their own capital, founded the private company, C. Benz Sons (German: Benz Söhne) in 1906, producing automobiles and gas engines. The latter type was replaced by petrol engines because lack of demand.

Logo on family held business production vehicles

This company never issued stocks publicly, building its own line of automobiles independently from Benz & Cie., which was located in Mannheim. The Benz Sons automobiles were of good quality and became popular in London as taxis.
In 1912, Karl Benz liquidated all of his shares in Benz Sons and left the family-held company in Ladenburg to Eugen and Richard, but he remained as a director of Benz & Cie.
During a birthday celebration for him in his home town of Karlsruhe on November 25, 1914, the seventy-year-old Karl Benz was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, the Karlsruhe University, thereby becoming—Dr. Ing. h. c. Karl Benz.

1923 Benz "Teardrop" aerodynamic racecar

Almost from the very beginning of the production of automobiles, participation in sports car racing became a major method to gain publicity for manufacturers. At first, the production models were raced and the Benz Velo participated in the first automobile race: Paris to Rouen 1894. Later, investment in developing racecars for motorsports produced returns through sales generated by the association of the name of the automobile with the winners. Unique race vehicles were built at the time, as seen in the photograph here of the Benz, the first mid-engine and aerodynamically designed, Tropfenwagen, a "teardrop" body introduced at the 1923 European Grand Prix at Monza.
In the last production year of the Benz Sons company, 1923, three hundred and fifty units were built. During the following year, 1924, Karl Benz built two additional 8/25 hp units of the automobile manufactured by this company, tailored for his personal use, which he never sold; they are still preserved.

[edit] Toward Daimler-Benz and the first Mercedes-Benz in 1926

Last home of Karl and Bertha Benz, now the location of the Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation in Ladenburg, in Baden-Württemberg

The German economic crisis worsened. In 1923 Benz & Cie. produced only 1,382 units in Mannheim, and DMG made only 1,020 in Stuttgart. The average cost of an automobile was 25 million marks because of rapid inflation. Negotiations between the two companies resumed and in 1924 they signed an "Agreement of Mutual Interest" valid until the year 2000. Both enterprises standardized design, production, purchasing, sales, and advertising—marketing their automobile models jointly—although keeping their respective brands.
On June 28, 1926, Benz & Cie. and DMG finally merged as the Daimler-Benz company, baptizing all of its automobiles, Mercedes Benz, honoring the most important model of the DMG automobiles, the 1902 Mercedes 35 hp, along with the Benz name. The name of that DMG model had been selected after ten-year-old Mercédès Jellinek, the daughter of Emil Jellinek who had set the specifications for the new model. Between 1900 and 1909 he was a member of DMG's board of management and long before the merger Jellinek had resigned.
Karl Benz was a member of the new Daimler Benz board of management for the remainder of his life. A new logo was created, consisting of a three pointed star (representing Daimler's motto: "engines for land, air, and water") surrounded by traditional laurels from the Benz logo, and the brand of all of its automobiles was labeled Mercedes Benz. Model names would follow the brand name in the same convention as today.
The next year, 1927, the number of units sold tripled to 7,918 and the diesel line was launched for truck production. In 1928 the Mercedes-Benz SSK was presented.
On April 4, 1929, Karl Benz died at home in Ladenburg at the age of eighty-four from a bronchial inflammation. Until her death on May 5, 1944, Bertha Benz continued to reside in their last home. Members of the family resided in the home for thirty more years. The Benz home now has been designated as historic and is used as a scientific meeting facility for a nonprofit foundation, the Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation, that honors both Bertha and Karl Benz for their roles in the history of automobiles.

[edit] In popular culture

In 2011 a dramatized television movie about the life of Karl and Bertha Benz was made named Carl & Bertha which premiered on 11 May^[14] and was aired by Das Erste on 23 May.^[15][16] A trailer of the movie^[17] and a "making of" special were released on YouTube.^[18]

[edit] See also

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 3 of 1888, used by Bertha Benz for the first long distance journey by automobile (more than 106 km or sixty miles)

An official license to operate the Benz Patent Motorwagen on the public roads was issued by Großherzoglich Badisches Bezirksamt on August 1, 1888

• Benz (unit)
• Bertha Benz, his wife and automotive pioneer
• Bertha Benz Memorial Route
• German inventors and discoverers
• History of the internal combustion engine

[edit] Notes

1. ^ http://www.geographic.hu/index.php?act=napi&rov=5&id=6102 1844. november 25-én Karlsruheban született Karl Friedrich Vaillant, a Benz autógyár alapítója. Mivel születésekor anyja még hajadon volt, ezért az ő neve után anyakönyvezték. Vaillant csak később vette fel apja nevét, a Benz-et.
2. ^ http://www.personatti.com/card.data/Karl%20Benz_10080459.htm Realname:, Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant. Birthdate:, 25 November 1844. Deathdate:, 4 April 1929. Birthplace:, Germany, Baden-württemberg, Karlsruhe ...
3. ^ http://www.morgenweb.de/region/mannheim/daimler_Benz/622204232.html Bei seiner Geburt am 25. November 1844 in Karlsruhe erhielt der spätere Auto-Pionier den Namen Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant. Seine Mutter Josephine Vaillant heiratete ein Jahr danach Johann Georg Benz, den Vater des Kindes.
4. ^ http://www.egoproject.nl/star/automerk%20symbolen.htm Tegelijkertijd met Daimler was Karl Benz ook zeer succesvol in het produceren van auto's. Karl werd geboren als Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant in 1844 in Muelburb (tegenwoordig Karlsruheen als zoon van Josephine Vaillant en treinmachinist Johann George Benz. Hij kreeg de naam van zijn moeder, omdat zijn ouders pas een jaar na zijn geboorte met elkaar trouwden. Toen Karl 2 jaar oud was verongelukte zijn vader in een spoorwegongeluk. Karl kreeg nu de naam van zijn vader en heette voortaan Karl Friedrich Benz.
5. ^ http://linx3314.wordpress.com/feed/ Karl Benz wurde alls Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant in heutige Kalruher Stadtteil Mühlburg geboren. Sein mutter hat ein man bei der name Johann Georg Benz.l Er storp eine veile nach das hochzeit.
6. ^
   

   

   Karl Benz family gravestone
   Karl is the spelling of his first name on all of his official personal and municipal documents throughout his life, such as birth, school, honorary doctorate, the Baden State Metal certificate, and on his family grave marker as displayed to the right. Carl is the spelling variant he used for one company, C. Benz Söhne, he formed with his son Eugen after leaving the active management of his long standing company, but remaining on its board of directors for the rest of his life (through its merger with Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in which the two companies became Daimler-Benz), and it is used for his autobiography by a recent publisher. This spelling variant has been copied often and may be found frequently.
7. ^ ^{a b} (German) Karl Benz's life as described on daimler.com
8. ^ Mercedes-Benz, Home of Mercedes-Benz Luxury Automobiles at www.mbusa.com
9. ^ Georgano, G. N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886-1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)
10. ^ ^{a b c d} Georgano
11. ^ DRP's patent No. 37435 (PDF, 561 kB, German) was filed January 29, 1886 and granted November 2, 1886, thus taking effect January 29.
12. ^ Bertha Benz Memorial Route
13. ^ Northey, Tom, "Land Speed Record", in The World of Automobiles (London: Orbis Publishing, 1974), Volume 10, p.1163.
14. ^ (German) Genialer Tüftler und bedingungslose Unterstützerin, SWR
15. ^ Carl & Bertha at IMDB
16. ^ (German) ARD-Themenwoche "Der mobile Mensch" Carl & Bertha
17. ^ (German) Carl & Bertha - Eine Liebe für das Automobil - SWR - DAS ERSTE
18. ^ Making of 'Carl & Bertha' (Film)

[edit] References

• Benz, Carl (2001). Lebensfahrt eines deutschen Erfinders : meine Erinnerungen / Karl Benz. München: Koehler und Amelang. ISBN 3-7338-0302-7. (German) (autobiography)[1]

The life of a German inventor: my memories / Karl Benz

• Benz, Carl Friedrich (c1925). Lebensfahrt eines deutschen erfinders; erinnerungen eines achtzigjahrigen. Leipzig: Koehler & Amelang. (German) (first edition) (bibrec)

The life of a German inventor; memories of an octogenarian

• Elis, Angela: Mein Traum ist länger als die Nacht. Wie Bertha Benz ihren Mann zu Weltruhm fuhr. Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg 2010, ISBN 978-3-455-50146-9

My dream is longer than the night. How Bertha Benz drove her husband to worldwide fame

• Mercedes-Benz AG (Hrsg.), Benz & Cie.: Zum 150. Geburtstag von Karl Benz, Motorbuch Verlag: Stuttgart, 1994 1. Aufl. 296 S., 492 Abb., 124 in Farbe, ISBN 3-613-01643-5, (German) (biography)

Benz & Cie.: On the Occasion of the 150th Birthday of Karl Benz

• Seherr-Thoss, Hans Christoph, Graf von (1988). Zwei Männer - ein Stern : Gottlieb Daimler und Karl Benz in Bildern, Daten und Dokumenten. Düsseldorf: VDI-Verlag. ISBN 3-18-400851-7. (German) [2]

Two men - one star: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz in pictures, data and documents

• Seidel, Winfried A. (2005). Carl Benz : eine badische Geschichte ; die Vision vom "pferdelosen Wagen" verändert die Welt. Weinheim: Ed. Diesbach. ISBN 3-936468-29-X. (German) (biography) Image of cover. (German) [3]

Carl Benz: a Baden history; the vision of the "horseless car" changes the world

• Siebertz, Paul (1950). Karl Benz : Ein Pionier der Motorisierung. Stuttgart: Reclam. (German) [4]

Karl Benz : A pioneer of motorization

[edit] External links

• Brief biographies of Karl Benz and Bertha Benz, with portraits, an extensive archive, and detailed histories presented at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.[5]
• Mercedes-Benz corporate archives [6], company archives [7], history [8], media management archives [9], and publications [10]
• copies of the honorary doctorate and Baden State medal in gold, both awarded to Karl Benz in his lifetime.
• Das Automuseum Dr. Carl Benz in der alten Benz Fabrik (German) is the Dr. Carl Benz Auto Museum created by a private group in 1996 [11] in a former Benz factory for an ancillary business founded with his sons in Ladenburg, which was separate from his major companies. The company opened in 1906 and closed in 1923, the site has a description of this museum and contemporary photographs [12] with "C. Benz SÖHNE KG" painted on the building, which contains historical photographs, some restored automobiles, and a chronology of the life of Karl Benz
• Karl Benz on 3-wheelers.com
• Bertha Benz Memorial Route
• Prof. John H. Lienhard on BERTHA Benz's RIDE
• The Karl Benz family grave site in Ladenburg The urn contains the ashes of their son, Richard Benz, and the inscription on the gravestone reads:[13]

Dr. Ing. h. c. Karl Benz

Geb. 26. Nov. 1844

Gest. 4. April 1929

Bertha Benz

Geb. Ringer

Geb. 3. Mai 1849

Gest. 4. Mai 1944

• The Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation founded in 1986 at the last residence of Bertha and Karl Benz in Ladenburg.

[hide]Benz road cars, 1886–1926 — next »
1886–1926	Patent Motorwagen · Viktoria · Velo · Elegant · Phaeton · Tonneau · Spider · Break · Parsifal · 14/30 PS · 18PS · 28/30 PS · 35/40 PS · 50PS · 60PS · 70PS · Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen · 20/35 PS · 24/40 PS · 25PS · 10PS · 6/14 PS · 6/18 PS · 8PS · 12/30 PS · 16/40 PS · 18/45 PS · 33/75 PS · 21/50 PS · 27/70 PS · 39/100 PS · 11/40 PS · 16/50 PS
Racing	Rennwagen · Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen · Blitzen Benz · Tropfenwagen

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Karl Benz

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Karl Benz
Born	November 25, 1844 Mühlburg (Karlsruhe)
Died	April 4, 1929 (aged 84) Ladenburg
Nationality	German
Education	University of Karlsruhe
Spouse	Bertha Ringer
Children	5, Eugen, Richard, Clara, Ellen, Thilde
Parents	Johann George Benz (father), Josephine Vaillant (mother)
Work
Significant projects	founded Mercedes-Benz
Significant design	Benz Patent Motorwagen
Significant advance	gasoline-powered automobile

 Karl Friedrich Benz (help·info) (November 25, 1844 – April 4, 1929) was a German engine designer and car engineer, generally regarded as the inventor of the gasoline-powered automobile, and together with Bertha Benz pioneering founder of the automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. Other German contemporaries, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach working as partners, also worked on similar types of inventions, without knowledge of the work of the other, but Benz patented his work first, and, subsequently patented all the processes that made the internal combustion engine feasible for use in an automobile. In 1879 his first engine patent was granted to him and in 1886 Benz was granted a patent for his first automobile.

Contents  [hide]  1 Early life 2 Benz's first factory and early inventions (1871–1882) 3 Benz's Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim (1882–1883) 4 Benz & Cie. and the Motorwagen 5 Benz & Cie. expansion 6 Blitzen Benz 7 Benz Söhne (1906–1923) 8 Toward Daimler-Benz and the first Mercedes-Benz in 1926 9 In popular culture 10 See also 11 Notes 12 References 13 External links

[edit] Early life

Karl Benz was born Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant, in Karlsruhe, Baden, which is part of modern Germany, to Josephine Vaillant and a locomotive driver, Johann George Benz, whom she married a few months later.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} When he was two years old, his father was killed in a railway accident, and his name was changed to Karl Friedrich Benz in remembrance of his father.^[6]
Despite living in near poverty, his mother strove to give him a good education. Benz attended the local Grammar School in Karlsruhe and was a prodigious student. In 1853, at the age of nine he started at the scientifically oriented Lyceum. Next he studied at the Poly-Technical University under the instruction of Ferdinand Redtenbacher.

Karl Benz, 1869, 25 years old (Zenodot Verlagsges. mbH)

Benz had originally focused his studies on locksmithing, but eventually followed his father's steps toward locomotive engineering. On September 30, 1860, at age fifteen, he passed the entrance exam for mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe, which he subsequently attended. Benz was graduated July 9, 1864 at nineteen.
During these years, while riding his bicycle, he started to envision concepts for a vehicle that would eventually become the horseless carriage.
Following his formal education, Benz had seven years of professional training in several companies, but did not fit well in any of them. The training started in Karlsruhe with two years of varied jobs in a mechanical engineering company.
He then moved to Mannheim to work as a draftsman and designer in a scales factory. In 1868 he went to Pforzheim to work for a bridge building company Gebrüder Benckiser Eisenwerke und Maschinenfabrik. Finally, he went to Vienna for a short period to work at an iron construction company.

[edit] Benz's first factory and early inventions (1871–1882)

In 1871, at the age of twenty-seven, Karl Benz joined August Ritter in launching the Iron Foundry and Mechanical Workshop in Mannheim, later renamed Factory for Machines for Sheet-metal Working.^[7]
The enterprise's first year went very badly. Ritter turned out to be unreliable, and the business's tools were impounded. The difficulty was overcome when Benz's fiancée, Bertha Ringer, bought out Ritter's share in the company using her dowry.^[7][8]
On July 20, 1872 Karl Benz and Bertha Ringer married. They had five children: Eugen (1873), Richard (1874), Clara (1877), Thilde (1882), and Ellen (1890).
Despite such business misfortunes, Karl Benz led in the development of new engines in the early factory he and his wife owned. To get more revenues, in 1878 he began to work on new patents. First, he concentrated all his efforts on creating a reliable gas two-stroke engine. Benz finished his two-stroke engine on December 31, 1878, New Year's Eve, and was granted a patent for it in 1879.
Karl Benz showed his real genius, however, through his successive inventions registered while designing what would become the production standard for his two-stroke engine. Benz soon patented the speed regulation system, the ignition using white power sparks with battery, the spark plug, the carburetor, the clutch, the gear shift, and the water radiator.

[edit] Benz's Gasmotoren-Fabrik Mannheim (1882–1883)

Problems arose again when the banks at Mannheim demanded that Bertha and Karl Benz's enterprise be incorporated due to the high production costs it maintained. The Benzes were forced to improvise an association with photographer Emil Bühler and his brother (a cheese merchant), in order to get additional bank support. The company became the joint-stock company Gasmotoren Fabrik Mannheim in 1882.
After all the necessary incorporation agreements, Benz was unhappy because he was left with merely five percent of the shares and a modest position as director. Worst of all, his ideas weren't considered when designing new products, so he withdrew from that corporation just one year later, in 1883.

[edit] Benz & Cie. and the Motorwagen

1885 Benz Patent Motorwagen

Three wheels
Tubular steel frame
Rack and pinion steering, connected to a driver end tiller; wheel chained to front axle
Electric ignition
Differential rear end gears (mechanically operated inlet valves)
Water-cooled internal combustion engine
Gas or petrol four-stroke horizontally mounted engine
Single cylinder, Bore 116 mm, Stroke 160 mm
Patent model: 958 cc, 0.8 hp, 600 W, 16 km/h
Commercialized model: 1600 cc, ¾ hp, 8 mph (13 km/h)

Official signpost of Bertha Benz Memorial Route, commemorating the world's first long distance journey with a Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 3 in 1888

Early logo used on automobiles by Karl Benz

Benz's lifelong hobby brought him to a bicycle repair shop in Mannheim owned by Max Rose and Friedrich Wilhelm Eßlinger. In 1883, the three founded a new company producing industrial machines: Benz & Company Rheinische Gasmotoren-Fabrik, usually referred to as, Benz & Cie. Quickly growing to twenty-five employees, it soon began to produce static gas engines as well.
The success of the company gave Benz the opportunity to indulge in his old passion of designing a horseless carriage. Based on his experience with, and fondness for, bicycles, he used similar technology when he created an automobile. It featured wire wheels (unlike carriages' wooden ones) ^[9] with a four-stroke engine of his own design between the rear wheels, with a very advanced coil ignition ^[10] and evaporative cooling rather than a radiator.^[10] Power was transmitted by means of two roller chains to the rear axle. Karl Benz finished his creation in 1885 and named it the Benz Patent Motorwagen.
It was the first automobile entirely designed as such to generate its own power, not simply a motorized-stage coach or horse carriage, which is why Karl Benz was granted his patent and is regarded as its inventor.
The Motorwagen was patented on January 29, 1886 as DRP-37435: "automobile fueled by gas".^[11] The 1885 version was difficult to control, leading to a collision with a wall during a public demonstration. The first successful tests on public roads were carried out in the early summer of 1886. The next year Benz created the Motorwagen Model 2, which had several modifications, and in 1887, the definitive Model 3 with wooden wheels was introduced, showing at the Paris Expo the same year.^[10]
Benz began to sell the vehicle (advertising it as the Benz Patent Motorwagen) in the late summer of 1888, making it the first commercially available automobile in history. The second customer of the Motorwagen was a Parisian bicycle manufacturer ^[10] Emile Roger who had already been building Benz engines under license from Karl Benz for several years. Roger added the Benz automobiles (many built in France) to the line he carried in Paris and initially most were sold there.

Replica of the Benz Patent Motorwagen built in 1885

Engine of the Benz Patent Motorwagen

Early customers could only buy gasoline from pharmacies that sold small quantities as a cleaning product. The early 1888 version of the Motorwagen had no gears and could not climb hills unaided. This limitation was rectified after Bertha Benz made her famous trip driving one of the vehicles a great distance and suggested to her husband the addition of another gear.
An important part in the Benz story is this first long distance automobile trip, where entrepreneurial Bertha Benz, supposedly without the knowledge of her husband, on the morning of August 5, 1888, took this vehicle on a 106 km (66 mi) trip from Mannheim to Pforzheim to visit her mother, taking her sons Eugen and Richard with her. In addition to having to locate pharmacies on the way to fuel up, she repaired various technical and mechanical problems and invented brake lining. After some longer downhill slopes she ordered a shoemaker to nail leather on the brake blocks. Bertha Benz and sons finally arrived at nightfall, announcing the achievement to Karl by telegram. It had been her intention to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Benz Motorwagen for travel and to generate publicity in the manner now referred to as live marketing. Today the event is celebrated every two years in Germany with an antique automobile rally. In 2008 Bertha Benz Memorial Route^[12] was officially approved as a route of industrial heritage of mankind, because it follows Bertha Benz's tracks of the world's first long-distance journey by automobile in 1888. Now everybody can follow the 194 km of signposted route from Mannheim via Heidelberg to Pforzheim (Black Forest) and back.
Benz's Model 3 made its wide-scale debut to the world in the 1889 World's Fair in Paris; about twenty-five Motorwagens were built between 1886 and 1893.

[edit] Benz & Cie. expansion

Karl Benz introduced the Velo in 1894, becoming the first production automobile

Bertha Benz with her husband Karl Benz in a Benz Viktoria, model 1894

First internal combustion engined bus in history: a Benz truck modified by Netphener company (1895)

Benz "Velo" model presentation in London 1898

The great demand for stationary, static internal combustion engines forced Karl Benz to enlarge the factory in Mannheim, and in 1886 a new building located on Waldhofstrasse (operating until 1908) was added. Benz & Cie. had grown in the interim from 50 employees in 1889 to 430 in 1899.
During the last years of the nineteenth century, Benz was the largest automobile company in the world with 572 units produced in 1899.
Because of its size, in 1899, Benz & Cie. became a joint-stock company with the arrival of Friedrich von Fischer and Julius Ganß, who came aboard as members of the Board of Management. Ganß worked in the commercialization department, which is somewhat similar to marketing in contemporary corporations.
The new directors recommended that Benz should create a less expensive automobile suitable for mass production. In 1893, Karl Benz created the Victoria, a two-passenger automobile with a 2.2 kW (3.0 hp) engine, which could reach the top speed of 18 km/h (11 mph) and had a pivotal front axle operated by a roller-chained tiller for steering. The model was successful with 85 units sold in 1893.
The Benz Velo also participated in the first automobile race, the 1894 Paris to Rouen Rally.
In 1895, Benz designed the first truck in history, with some of the units later modified by the first motor bus company: the Netphener, becoming the first motor buses in history.
In 1896, Karl Benz was granted a patent for his design of the first flat engine. It had horizontally opposed pistons, a design in which the corresponding pistons reach top dead centre simultaneously, thus balancing each other with respect to momentum. Flat engines with four or fewer cylinders are most commonly called boxer engines, boxermotor in German, and also are known as horizontally opposed engines. This design is still used by Porsche, Subaru, and some high performance engines used in racing cars. In motorcycles, the most famous boxer engine is found in BMW motorcycles,^{[citation needed]} though the boxer engine design was used in many other models, including Zundapp, Wooler, Douglas Dragonfly, Ratier, Universal, IMZ-Ural, Dnepr, Gnome et Rhône, Chang Jiang, Marusho, and the Honda Gold Wing.
Although Gottlieb Daimler died in March 1900—and there is no evidence that Benz and Daimler knew each other nor that they knew about each other's early achievements—eventually, competition with Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in Stuttgart began to challenge the leadership of Benz & Cie. In October 1900 the main designer of DMG, Wilhelm Maybach, built the engine that would be used later, in the Mercedes-35hp of 1902. The engine was built to the specifications of Emil Jellinek under a contract for him to purchase thirty-six vehicles with the engine and for him to become a dealer of the special series. Jellinek stipulated the new engine be named Daimler-Mercedes (for his daughter). Maybach would quit DMG in 1907, but he designed the model and all of the important changes. After testing, the first was delivered to Jellinek on December 22, 1900. Jellinek continued to make suggestions for changes to the model and obtained good results racing the automobile in the next few years, encouraging DMG to engage in commercial production of automobiles, which they did in 1902.

Logo with laurels used on Benz & Cie automobiles after 1909

Benz countered with Parsifil, introduced in 1903 with a vertical twin engine that achieved a top speed of 37 mph (60 km/h). Then, without consulting Benz, the other directors hired some French designers. France was a country with an extensive automobile industry based on Maybach's creations. Because of this action, after difficult discussions, Karl Benz announced his retirement from design management on January 24, 1903, although he remained as director on the Board of Management through its merger with DMG in 1926 and, remained on the board of the new Daimler-Benz corporation until his death in 1929.
Benz's sons Eugen and Richard left Benz & Cie. in 1903, but Richard returned to the company in 1904 as the designer of passenger vehicles.
That year, sales of Benz & Cie. reached 3,480 automobiles, and the company remained the leading manufacturer of automobiles.
Along with continuing as a director of Benz & Cie., Karl Benz would soon found another company, C. Benz Söhnewith (with his son Eugen and closely held within the family), a privately held company for manufacturing automobiles. The brand name used the first initial of the French variant of Benz's first name, "Carl" (see discussion on the talk page).

[edit] Blitzen Benz

1909 Blitzen Benz - built by Benz & Cie., which held the land speed record

In 1909, the Blitzen Benz was built in Mannheim by Benz & Cie. The bird-beaked vehicle had a 21.5-liter (1312ci), 150 kW (200 hp) engine, and on November 9, 1909 in the hands of Victor Hémery of France,^[13] the land speed racer at Brooklands, set a record of 226.91 km/h (141.94 mph), said to be "faster than any plane, train, or automobile" at the time, a record that was not exceeded for ten years by any other vehicle. It was transported to several countries, including the United States, to establish multiple records of this achievement.

[edit] Benz Söhne (1906–1923)

Karl and Bertha Benz c. 1914 (collection of Zenodot Verlagsgesellschaft mbH)

Karl Benz, Bertha Benz, and their son, Eugen, moved 10 km east of Mannheim to live in nearby Ladenburg, and solely with their own capital, founded the private company, C. Benz Sons (German: Benz Söhne) in 1906, producing automobiles and gas engines. The latter type was replaced by petrol engines because lack of demand.

Logo on family held business production vehicles

This company never issued stocks publicly, building its own line of automobiles independently from Benz & Cie., which was located in Mannheim. The Benz Sons automobiles were of good quality and became popular in London as taxis.
In 1912, Karl Benz liquidated all of his shares in Benz Sons and left the family-held company in Ladenburg to Eugen and Richard, but he remained as a director of Benz & Cie.
During a birthday celebration for him in his home town of Karlsruhe on November 25, 1914, the seventy-year-old Karl Benz was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, the Karlsruhe University, thereby becoming—Dr. Ing. h. c. Karl Benz.

1923 Benz "Teardrop" aerodynamic racecar

Almost from the very beginning of the production of automobiles, participation in sports car racing became a major method to gain publicity for manufacturers. At first, the production models were raced and the Benz Velo participated in the first automobile race: Paris to Rouen 1894. Later, investment in developing racecars for motorsports produced returns through sales generated by the association of the name of the automobile with the winners. Unique race vehicles were built at the time, as seen in the photograph here of the Benz, the first mid-engine and aerodynamically designed, Tropfenwagen, a "teardrop" body introduced at the 1923 European Grand Prix at Monza.
In the last production year of the Benz Sons company, 1923, three hundred and fifty units were built. During the following year, 1924, Karl Benz built two additional 8/25 hp units of the automobile manufactured by this company, tailored for his personal use, which he never sold; they are still preserved.

[edit] Toward Daimler-Benz and the first Mercedes-Benz in 1926

Last home of Karl and Bertha Benz, now the location of the Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation in Ladenburg, in Baden-Württemberg

The German economic crisis worsened. In 1923 Benz & Cie. produced only 1,382 units in Mannheim, and DMG made only 1,020 in Stuttgart. The average cost of an automobile was 25 million marks because of rapid inflation. Negotiations between the two companies resumed and in 1924 they signed an "Agreement of Mutual Interest" valid until the year 2000. Both enterprises standardized design, production, purchasing, sales, and advertising—marketing their automobile models jointly—although keeping their respective brands.
On June 28, 1926, Benz & Cie. and DMG finally merged as the Daimler-Benz company, baptizing all of its automobiles, Mercedes Benz, honoring the most important model of the DMG automobiles, the 1902 Mercedes 35 hp, along with the Benz name. The name of that DMG model had been selected after ten-year-old Mercédès Jellinek, the daughter of Emil Jellinek who had set the specifications for the new model. Between 1900 and 1909 he was a member of DMG's board of management and long before the merger Jellinek had resigned.
Karl Benz was a member of the new Daimler Benz board of management for the remainder of his life. A new logo was created, consisting of a three pointed star (representing Daimler's motto: "engines for land, air, and water") surrounded by traditional laurels from the Benz logo, and the brand of all of its automobiles was labeled Mercedes Benz. Model names would follow the brand name in the same convention as today.
The next year, 1927, the number of units sold tripled to 7,918 and the diesel line was launched for truck production. In 1928 the Mercedes-Benz SSK was presented.
On April 4, 1929, Karl Benz died at home in Ladenburg at the age of eighty-four from a bronchial inflammation. Until her death on May 5, 1944, Bertha Benz continued to reside in their last home. Members of the family resided in the home for thirty more years. The Benz home now has been designated as historic and is used as a scientific meeting facility for a nonprofit foundation, the Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation, that honors both Bertha and Karl Benz for their roles in the history of automobiles.

[edit] In popular culture

In 2011 a dramatized television movie about the life of Karl and Bertha Benz was made named Carl & Bertha which premiered on 11 May^[14] and was aired by Das Erste on 23 May.^[15][16] A trailer of the movie^[17] and a "making of" special were released on YouTube.^[18]

[edit] See also

The Benz Patent-Motorwagen Number 3 of 1888, used by Bertha Benz for the first long distance journey by automobile (more than 106 km or sixty miles)

An official license to operate the Benz Patent Motorwagen on the public roads was issued by Großherzoglich Badisches Bezirksamt on August 1, 1888

• Benz (unit)
• Bertha Benz, his wife and automotive pioneer
• Bertha Benz Memorial Route
• German inventors and discoverers
• History of the internal combustion engine

[edit] Notes

1. ^ http://www.geographic.hu/index.php?act=napi&rov=5&id=6102 1844. november 25-én Karlsruheban született Karl Friedrich Vaillant, a Benz autógyár alapítója. Mivel születésekor anyja még hajadon volt, ezért az ő neve után anyakönyvezték. Vaillant csak később vette fel apja nevét, a Benz-et.
2. ^ http://www.personatti.com/card.data/Karl%20Benz_10080459.htm Realname:, Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant. Birthdate:, 25 November 1844. Deathdate:, 4 April 1929. Birthplace:, Germany, Baden-württemberg, Karlsruhe ...
3. ^ http://www.morgenweb.de/region/mannheim/daimler_Benz/622204232.html Bei seiner Geburt am 25. November 1844 in Karlsruhe erhielt der spätere Auto-Pionier den Namen Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant. Seine Mutter Josephine Vaillant heiratete ein Jahr danach Johann Georg Benz, den Vater des Kindes.
4. ^ http://www.egoproject.nl/star/automerk%20symbolen.htm Tegelijkertijd met Daimler was Karl Benz ook zeer succesvol in het produceren van auto's. Karl werd geboren als Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant in 1844 in Muelburb (tegenwoordig Karlsruheen als zoon van Josephine Vaillant en treinmachinist Johann George Benz. Hij kreeg de naam van zijn moeder, omdat zijn ouders pas een jaar na zijn geboorte met elkaar trouwden. Toen Karl 2 jaar oud was verongelukte zijn vader in een spoorwegongeluk. Karl kreeg nu de naam van zijn vader en heette voortaan Karl Friedrich Benz.
5. ^ http://linx3314.wordpress.com/feed/ Karl Benz wurde alls Karl Friedrich Michael Vaillant in heutige Kalruher Stadtteil Mühlburg geboren. Sein mutter hat ein man bei der name Johann Georg Benz.l Er storp eine veile nach das hochzeit.
6. ^
   

   

   Karl Benz family gravestone
   Karl is the spelling of his first name on all of his official personal and municipal documents throughout his life, such as birth, school, honorary doctorate, the Baden State Metal certificate, and on his family grave marker as displayed to the right. Carl is the spelling variant he used for one company, C. Benz Söhne, he formed with his son Eugen after leaving the active management of his long standing company, but remaining on its board of directors for the rest of his life (through its merger with Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft in which the two companies became Daimler-Benz), and it is used for his autobiography by a recent publisher. This spelling variant has been copied often and may be found frequently.
7. ^ ^{a b} (German) Karl Benz's life as described on daimler.com
8. ^ Mercedes-Benz, Home of Mercedes-Benz Luxury Automobiles at www.mbusa.com
9. ^ Georgano, G. N. Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886-1930. (London: Grange-Universal, 1985)
10. ^ ^{a b c d} Georgano
11. ^ DRP's patent No. 37435 (PDF, 561 kB, German) was filed January 29, 1886 and granted November 2, 1886, thus taking effect January 29.
12. ^ Bertha Benz Memorial Route
13. ^ Northey, Tom, "Land Speed Record", in The World of Automobiles (London: Orbis Publishing, 1974), Volume 10, p.1163.
14. ^ (German) Genialer Tüftler und bedingungslose Unterstützerin, SWR
15. ^ Carl & Bertha at IMDB
16. ^ (German) ARD-Themenwoche "Der mobile Mensch" Carl & Bertha
17. ^ (German) Carl & Bertha - Eine Liebe für das Automobil - SWR - DAS ERSTE
18. ^ Making of 'Carl & Bertha' (Film)

[edit] References

• Benz, Carl (2001). Lebensfahrt eines deutschen Erfinders : meine Erinnerungen / Karl Benz. München: Koehler und Amelang. ISBN 3-7338-0302-7. (German) (autobiography)[1]

The life of a German inventor: my memories / Karl Benz

• Benz, Carl Friedrich (c1925). Lebensfahrt eines deutschen erfinders; erinnerungen eines achtzigjahrigen. Leipzig: Koehler & Amelang. (German) (first edition) (bibrec)

The life of a German inventor; memories of an octogenarian

• Elis, Angela: Mein Traum ist länger als die Nacht. Wie Bertha Benz ihren Mann zu Weltruhm fuhr. Hoffmann und Campe, Hamburg 2010, ISBN 978-3-455-50146-9

My dream is longer than the night. How Bertha Benz drove her husband to worldwide fame

• Mercedes-Benz AG (Hrsg.), Benz & Cie.: Zum 150. Geburtstag von Karl Benz, Motorbuch Verlag: Stuttgart, 1994 1. Aufl. 296 S., 492 Abb., 124 in Farbe, ISBN 3-613-01643-5, (German) (biography)

Benz & Cie.: On the Occasion of the 150th Birthday of Karl Benz

• Seherr-Thoss, Hans Christoph, Graf von (1988). Zwei Männer - ein Stern : Gottlieb Daimler und Karl Benz in Bildern, Daten und Dokumenten. Düsseldorf: VDI-Verlag. ISBN 3-18-400851-7. (German) [2]

Two men - one star: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz in pictures, data and documents

• Seidel, Winfried A. (2005). Carl Benz : eine badische Geschichte ; die Vision vom "pferdelosen Wagen" verändert die Welt. Weinheim: Ed. Diesbach. ISBN 3-936468-29-X. (German) (biography) Image of cover. (German) [3]

Carl Benz: a Baden history; the vision of the "horseless car" changes the world

• Siebertz, Paul (1950). Karl Benz : Ein Pionier der Motorisierung. Stuttgart: Reclam. (German) [4]

Karl Benz : A pioneer of motorization

[edit] External links

• Brief biographies of Karl Benz and Bertha Benz, with portraits, an extensive archive, and detailed histories presented at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.[5]
• Mercedes-Benz corporate archives [6], company archives [7], history [8], media management archives [9], and publications [10]
• copies of the honorary doctorate and Baden State medal in gold, both awarded to Karl Benz in his lifetime.
• Das Automuseum Dr. Carl Benz in der alten Benz Fabrik (German) is the Dr. Carl Benz Auto Museum created by a private group in 1996 [11] in a former Benz factory for an ancillary business founded with his sons in Ladenburg, which was separate from his major companies. The company opened in 1906 and closed in 1923, the site has a description of this museum and contemporary photographs [12] with "C. Benz SÖHNE KG" painted on the building, which contains historical photographs, some restored automobiles, and a chronology of the life of Karl Benz
• Karl Benz on 3-wheelers.com
• Bertha Benz Memorial Route
• Prof. John H. Lienhard on BERTHA Benz's RIDE
• The Karl Benz family grave site in Ladenburg The urn contains the ashes of their son, Richard Benz, and the inscription on the gravestone reads:[13]

Dr. Ing. h. c. Karl Benz

Geb. 26. Nov. 1844

Gest. 4. April 1929

Bertha Benz

Geb. Ringer

Geb. 3. Mai 1849

Gest. 4. Mai 1944

• The Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz Foundation founded in 1986 at the last residence of Bertha and Karl Benz in Ladenburg.

[hide]Benz road cars, 1886–1926 — next »
1886–1926	Patent Motorwagen · Viktoria · Velo · Elegant · Phaeton · Tonneau · Spider · Break · Parsifal · 14/30 PS · 18PS · 28/30 PS · 35/40 PS · 50PS · 60PS · 70PS · Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen · 20/35 PS · 24/40 PS · 25PS · 10PS · 6/14 PS · 6/18 PS · 8PS · 12/30 PS · 16/40 PS · 18/45 PS · 33/75 PS · 21/50 PS · 27/70 PS · 39/100 PS · 11/40 PS · 16/50 PS
Racing	Rennwagen · Prinz-Heinrich-Wagen · Blitzen Benz · Tropfenwagen

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